Tag: derek brunson

UFC on ESPN+ 49 live results: Derek Brunson vs. Darren Till

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 49: Brunson vs. Till, emanating from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The UFC kicks off the month of September, which has three events, with an afternoon show in Las Vegas, one that was originally planned to be the return to London before COVID restrictions kept it from happening. It features a lot of fighters from England, including one in the main event looking to get close to securing a title shot.

Middleweights Derek Brunson and Darren Till square off in the main event in a bout that could have title shot implications on it. The winner will likely be put it a title eliminator bout, though a win by Till could put him at the front of the line. Brunson comes in riding a four-fight win streak as he’s firmly established himself as a big-time measuring stick at 185 pounds. Till hasn’t fought since last July in Abu Dhabi, when he dropped a decision to Robert Whittaker.

Also on the main card is a heavyweight battle between young prospects Tom Aspinall and Serghei Spivac, a welterweight battle between Alex Morono and David Zawada, a light heavyweight bout that could bring fireworks as Modestas Bukauskas takes on Khaili Rountree, and popular British fighter Paddy Pimblett makes his long-awaited UFC debut, and it will be Luigi Vendramini welcoming him to the promotion in a lightweight fight.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 2 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 2 PM ET/11 AM PT

> Dalcha Lungiambula (11-2, 2-1 UFC) vs. Marc-Andre Barriault (12-4 1 NC, 1-3 1 NC UFC)
Middleweights

Lungiambula with a leg kick and Barriault lands a right hand. Lungiambula with a right hand. Barriault lands some kicks. Barriault lands a combo and blocks a takedown attempt. Lungiambula with a right hand. Barriault lands a couple of right hands near the fence. They trade punches inside the pocket. Lungiambula gets a takedown but they quickly scramble up and Lungiambula has the neck. They trade and Lungiambula gets another brief takedown. They get up and Barriault with a right hand and a body kick. 10-9 Lungiambula.

They trade in close range and both men land some good punches. Barriault with a leg kick. He lands a body kick. They trade punches. Barriault lands a right hand that slips Lungiambula up. Barriault with a body kick. They trade in close range. Both men landing heavy blows against the fence. They trade solid punches against the fence and Barriault getting the better of it as he lands a nice right hand and a body kick. We have a groin strike but they get back to action and trade late. 10-9 Barriault, 19-19.

Lungiambula with a hook to the body and Barriault lands a leg kick. They trade punches. Barriault lands a right hand. They continue to throw and Barriault lands some nice right hands. Barriault lands a combo against the fence. We have a timeout for an eye poke on Barriault. They get back to action and both are throwing and Barriault lands a right hand and a body kick. They both land nice right hands. Lungiambula shoots for a takedown and Barriault sprawls away. Barriault lands a right hand. Lungiambula lands a nice punch. Lungiambula slowing down and looking a little more tired. They are throwing big shots against the fence. Both continue to land big punches and they clinch up and do some dirty boxing before breaking. Barriault walking Lungiambula down and both landing. Lungiambula lands a right hand. Barriault lands some right hands and some short uppercuts. They trade at the end. Fun fight. 10-9 Barriault, 29-28 Barriault.

Official Result- Marc-Andre Barriault def. Dalcha Lungiambula by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Julian Erosa (25-9, 3-5 UFC) vs. Charles Jourdain (11-3-1, 2-2-1 UFC)
Featherweights

They trade and Jourdain lands. They trade and Erosa lands a kick and they clinch but break. They trade and Erosa landing kicks. They continue to trade and both landing punches and kicks. They continue to land punches and Jourdain lands a nice left hand. Erosa with a leg kick and shoots for a takedown but Jourdain defends against the fence. Erosa with a knee to the body and they both land body shots before breaking. Jourdain with a left hand. Erosa lands a combo. They trade at the end. 10-9 Erosa.

They trade kicks and punches to start the second. Jourdain with a flurry and lands. Erosa with the jab and Jourdain lands a jab. Erosa with a combo inside the pocket. Erosa with a combo and Erosa lands a groin strike. They have a timeout and get back to action and both landing punches. Erosa lands a body kick and Jourdain lands a left hand. Erosa with a body shot. They both land punches and then Jourdain lands a left hand that knocks Erosa down for a second but they get to their feet. They both land. Jourdain with a leg kick and a left hand. Jourdain with a combo. Erosa with a late knee. 10-9 Jourdain, 19-19.

They trade in close range and both men trying to tee off. Jourdain landing some shots and Erosa gets a takedown. They get to their feet and remain clinched up and Erosa lands some knees but they break. Jourdain lands and Erosa lands a knee as they clinch up. Erosa tries a takedown but Jourdain keeping it up though Erosa completes it. They start to scramble up and Erosa grabs the neck and locks in a D’Arce choke as they roll to the ground and Jourdain taps. Big win for Erosa on short-notice.

Official Result- Julian Erosa def. Charles Jourdain by submission (D’Arce choke) at 2:56 of Round 3

> Jack Shore (14-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Liudvik Sholinian (9-1-1, 0-0 UFC)
Bantamweights

Sholinian is making his UFC debut. Shore with a leg kick. Shore landing punches and kicks as Sholinian missing most of his shots. Sholinian throws a kick and Shore catches it and gets a takedown. Sholinian throwing from the bottom as Shore lands a couple of elbows and then some right hands. Shore working from the top and looking to pass to side control. Shore looking for the arm-triangle choke and he has it locked in. Sholinian trying to fight it off. Shore lets go and is in the mount and then takes the back as they stand. Shore with some knees. Sholinian warned several times to not grab the cage. Shore with a late elbow. 10-9 Shore.

Shore with a leg kick and Sholinian is warned about his fingers. Shore with a right hand. Shore lands a combo and then gets a takedown. He moves to the back as they get to their feet. They break and Shore with the jab. Shore lands a right hand. Shore with the jab. Shore landing and they clinch. Both look for position but they break. Sholinian lands a nice right hand but Shore still landing the leg kicks. He lands a hard leg kick. Shore with a leg kick then a body kick. 10-9 Shore, 20-18 Shore.

Shore continuing to attack the lead leg with kicks to start the third. Shore with a combo ending with a calf kick. Shore landing the jab and a leg kick and goes for a takedown and Sholinian defends against the fence. Shore landing against the fence and then they break and then Shore lands a big combo. Sholinian pushes Shore against the fence looking for a takedown. They break and Shore lands the jab and slips away from Sholinian throwing. Shore lands a right hand. Shore with a front kick to the body. Shore with a combo that wobbles Sholinian. Shore with a short uppercut. Shore with a leg kick then the jab and a jab at the end. 10-9 Shore, 30-27 Shore.

Official Result- Jack Shore def. Liudvik Sholinian by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Molly McCann (10-4, 3-3 UFC) vs. Ji Yeon Kim (9-3-2, 3-3 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

They’re both swinging early and both land sme hard punches. McCann lands a hard left hand. They trade left hands. They clinch for a moment but break. McCann goes for a takedown and they clinch against the fence. They break and McCann chasing Kim down trying to land. Kim then lands a right hand that drops McCann and McCann looks for a takedown. A replay shows it was actually a clash of heads that dropped McCann. Kim still landing as they get to their feet. Both looking for position against the fence. They continue to work and Kim is looking to take the back and they break. McCann lands a combo and continues to land and now Kim landing. McCann tries a takedown but Kim defends. McCann with a late flurry. Close round. 10-9 McCann.

McCann lands a short elbow and then a combo. Kim lands a right hand. Kim with a leg kick and McCann lands a counter right. Kim lands a combo. McCann still coming forward and Kim lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Kim with a combo. They trade in close range. They continue to trade. McCann lands a combo and continues to land. Kim with a leg kick. McCann with some body shots. McCann continue to land more as Kim is backing up. They both land right hands. McCann with a flurry against the fence and Kim is firing back. McCann goes for a late takedown and gets it. 10-9 McCann, 20-18 McCann.

McCann coming forward and both landing to start the third. McCann with a left hook. Kim lands a right hand. McCann landing as she’s coming forward and Kim is landing counter shots as she’s backing up. Kim with a right hand and McCann counters with a left. Both are landing and McCann’s pressuring more. Kim lands. McCann with a combo against the fence. Kim throws a spinning back fist but McCann saw it coming and ducked. McCann lands a right hand. McCann still coming forward and lands a right hand. McCann with a late flurry of shots as she lands a body kick and is landing big punches at the end of the fight. Kim lands at the end as McCann is screaming at her. Good fight. 10-9 McCann, 30-27 McCann.

Official Result- Molly McCann def. Ji Yeon Kim by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

ESPN+ MAIN CARD | 4 PM ET/1 PM PT

> Paddy Pimblett (16-3, 0-0 UFC) vs. Luigi Vendramini (8-2, 1-2 UFC)
Lightweights

Pimblett with some leg kicks. He tried a switch kick but missed. Vendramini just misses a right hand. They both miss right hands. Vendramini with a leg kick. They both land left hands in the pocket. Vendramini lands a huge left hand and has Pimblett backing up and Vendramini gets a takedown and is on top. Vendramini with some right hands from the top. They get to their feet and break. Pimblett with a leg kick. Pimblett with a quick combo. They trade leg kicks. Vendramini lands a left hand. Vendramini with a flurry against the fence. Vendramini lands another left hand that forces Pimblett to retreat. They trade and Pimblett shoots for a takedown but Vendramini defends. Pimblett with a high kick. They trade in close range. Pimblett rocks Vendramini with a right hand. Pimblett is teeing off and then lands a massive right hand that sends Vendramini down and it is stopped. What a comeback and finish by Pimblett to get the win in his UFC debut.

Official Result- Paddy Pimblett def. Luigi Vendramini by TKO (punches) at 4:25 of Round 1

> Modestas Bukauskus (11-4, 1-2 UFC) vs. Khalil Rountree (8-5 1 NC, 4-5 1 NC UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Rountree landing and lands a nice left hand. He lands another. Bukauskas running away as he’s in trouble. Rountree with some big left hands and Bukauskas is in trouble. Bukauskas seems to have recovered and Rountree still landing the jab. Rountree with another left hand. Bukauskas lands a right hand. Bukauskas’ nose is a mess. Bukauskas lands a body kick and Rountree lands a counter left hand. Rountree lands a hard leg kick. Rountree lands a left hand. Rountree with a combo and a leg kick. Rountree with a hard left hand after Bukauskas misses a spinning attack. 10-9 Rountree.

Rountree with a leg kick. He lands a left hand. Bukauskas keeping his back against the fence. Bukauskas lands a left hand. Both are looking for openings. Bukauskas throws a punch that misses. Rountree then lands a kick right to the knee of Bukauskas and Bukauskas goes down to the mat and it is over. Bukauskas’ knee looks destroyed. Rountree gets the win.

Official Result- Khalil Rountree def. Modestas Bukauskas by TKO (leg kick) at 2:30 of Round 2

> Alex Morono (19-7 1 NC, 8-4 1 NC UFC) vs. David Zawada (17-6, 1-3 UFC)
Welterweights

Both land some punches to start the fight. Zawada lands a right hand and a combo as he rushes in. Morono lands a hard right hand. They clinch and Zawada lands a hard knee. They trade knees before breaking and Morono lands a right hand on the break. Morono lands a combo. They trade and Zawada lands a nice left hand. Morono lands a right hand. They trade some left hands. Zawada lands a right hand. Morono lands a right hand. They both land late. 10-9 Morono.

They come out swinging to start the second and Zawada lands some solid shots. Zawada with a body kick. Zawada attacking the body and Morono lands a right hand. They trade right hands and Morono stunned Zawada with his. Morono lands a hard jab. They continue to trade and both landing punches. Zawada with a leg kick and Morono lands a hard right hand late. 10-9 Morono, 20-18 Morono.

They both land to start the third and Morono gets a takedown. Morono grabs the neck and then looks for the back and they start to scramble and Morono has back control. They break and Zawada starting to land more as Morono is throwing off-balanced. They’re both throwing. Zawada lands a left hand. Morono is backing up. Zawada gets Morono down late. Morono has a hold of the neck. They scramble up and Morono has the back and Zawada with some back elbows. 10-9 Zawada, 29-28 Morono.

Official Result- Alex Morono def. David Zawada by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Tom Aspinall (#13, 10-2, 3-0 UFC) vs. Serghei Spivac (#14, 13-2, 4-2 UFC)
Heavyweights

Aspinall coming forward to start the fight. Aspinall lands a right hand. Aspinall lands another right hand. Spivac not doing a lot of offense. Aspinall lands a jab. They clinch and Spivac with a knee. Aspinall drops Spivac with an elbow from the clinch and gets on top and pours it on and gets the finish! What a showing by Aspinall.

Official Result- Tom Aspinall def. Serghei Spivac by TKO (strikes) at 2:30 of Round 1

> Derek Brunson (#5, 22-7, 13-5 UFC) vs. Darren Till (#7, 18-3-1, 6-3-1 UFC)
Middleweights

Till lands a left hand. They both land. Till lands a left hand. They both land and Brunson gets a takedown. Brunson pressuring from the top and lands some right hands. Brunson with some big shots from the top. Brunson with more heavy shots. Brunson with a big elbow. Brunson with some big shots from the top. Till scrambles to his feet. Brunson lands an elbow as they break. Nothing much happens at the end. 10-9 Brunson.

Till lands a left hand and Brunson tries hard for a takedown. Till defends and Brunson still working hard for it. They break. Brunson goes for a takedown but eats a knee from Till, though he finishes the takedown. Brunson staying on top and being barely active but not doing a whole lot from the top. Brunson stands and lands and now takes the back of Till and lands some punches before they stand. Brunson has the back at the end. 10-9 Brunson, 20-18 Brunson.

They trade and both land some leg kicks. Till with a leg kick. Till rocks Brunson with some left hands. Brunson is in trouble and goes for a takedown and Till had the neck but slipped out and Brunson ends up on top in the mount. He gets the back of Till and locks in a rear-naked choke and Till taps. What a showing by Brunson.

Official Result- Derek Brunson def. Darren Till by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:13 of Round 3

UFC on ESPN 21 live results: Derek Brunson vs. Kevin Holland

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC on ESPN 21: Brunson vs. Holland, emanating from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The UFC keeps on rolling in the month of March with the Octagon remaining in Las Vegas, with a middleweight bout between two trash-talking contenders headlining this week’s card.

Derek Brunson looks to score his fourth consecutive win and stop the momentum of fast-rising contender Kevin Holland, winner of five straight, in the five-round main event. Holland was calling for this fight after his crazy knockout win over Jacare Souza in December, and Brunson was quick to answer the challenge, and the winner could find himself right in the middle of the middleweight title picture.

In the co-main event, welterweights Song Kenan and Max Griffin both look to remain in the win column. Also on the main card is a heavyweight battle between Tai Tuivasa, the man known for the shoey, and newcomer Harry Hunscuker and a bantamweight fight between Adrian Yanez and Gustavo Lopez.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

ESPN2 PRELIMS | 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT

> Bruno Silva (10-5-2 1 NC, 0-2 1 NC UFC) vs. JP Buys (9-2, 0-0 UFC)
Flyweights

Buys making his UFC debut and immediately gets welcomed with a low blow from Silva and we have a timeout. They get back to action and Silva pokes Buys in the eye and we have another timeout. Welcome to the UFC, Buys, here’s two fouls inside the first minute on you. They get back to action and trade and Silva gets Buys to the mat on a scramble. Silva working from the top and landing in the half-guard and they get up and Silva has the back and gets a brief takedown before they get up. Buys now has the body lock against the fence. They break and Buys pressuring Silva around. Silva lands an uppercut and follows with a left hook. Silva with a calf kick and they clinch against the fence. They break and Silva lands a nice right hand that drops Buys at the end. 10-9 Silva.

Buys coming out strong throwing kicks and punches and landing. He slips on a kick and Silva gets into his guard. They both land on the ground before scrambling up and Silva lands a high kick. Buys pressing forward and lands a combo. Buys with a leg kick. Silva with a right hand and they clinch against the fence. Silva lands a punch and Buys goes down and somersaults to his feet and then gets hit again by Silva and they go to the mat and Silva landing from the top but they get up and Buys teeing off back. Silva then lands a right hand that sends Buys back down and the fight is stopped. What a great finish by Silva, who looked good after the early fouls.

Official Result- Bruno Silva def. JP Buys by TKO (punches) at 2:56 of Round 2

> Montel Jackson (9-2, 3-2 UFC) vs. Jesse Strader (5-1, 0-0 UFC)
Bantamweights* (Strader missed weight by 1.5 pounds)

Strader with a low kick to start. Jackson with a high kick and they trade leg kicks. They trade leg kicks again. They clinch for a moment and Strader lands a knee and Jackson drops him with a right hook after they break. Jackson gets on top trying to finish but they get to their feet and start throwing. Jackson lands a left hand and Strader falls to the mat again and Jackson gets on top and lands a few punches until Keith Peterson stops it. Nice finish by Jackson, who was the biggest favorite on the card.

Official Result- Montel Jackson def. Jesse Strader by TKO (punches) at 1:58 of Round 1

> Trevin Giles (13-2, 4-2 UFC) vs. Roman Dolidze (8-0, 2-0 UFC)
Middleweights

Dolidze with a leg kick. Dolidze lands another and starts telling Giles to come on. Giles with a head kick that Dolidze blocks. Herb Dean warning Dolidze to keep his fingers up. Dolidze with a high kick. Giles with a high kick. Giles lands a jab and Dolidze lands a leg kick. Giles with a combo. Dolidze with a leg kick. He lands another heavy leg kick. Dolidze gets a takedown and they end up scrambling to their feet and they are clinched against the fence. Dolidze with some knees in the clinch before the end of the first. 10-9 Dolidze.

Giles lands a combo to start round two with a big left hand. Both are throwing but neither land. Giles lands a jab and then a right hand that pops Dolidze’s head back. Both throwing combos and landing and Dolidze rocks Giles with a right hand. Giles goes for a takedown and they scramble to the mat and Dolidze goes for a heel hook but Giles lands some heavy right hands from the top. Dolidze still looking for the heel hook and Giles trying to escape as he lands punches. They get to their feet and Dolidze has the back standing and lands some knees. Giles escapes and lands some punches until Dolidze grabs the body lock again. Dolidze with some knees to the butt. 10-9 Giles, 19-19.

Dolidze lands a body kick. Giles lands a left hand as they clinch and Dolidze tries a takedown but Giles defends and they separate. Giles lands a right hand that stuns Dolidze. Dolidze tries for a takedown but Giles sprawls and has the neck. They get to their feet and Giles with an uppercut in the clinch and they break. They tie up and Dolidze grabs the leg and goes for a heel hook on the mat but Giles escapes and Dolidze ends up on top in side control. Dolidze gets the back as they stand and Giles switches to back control. They break and Giles with a head kick. Giles lands a combo and then clinches and goes for a takedown but Dolidze ends up on top and lands a hard punch from the top before they scramble up. Dolidze has back control and lands some short knees. Giles tries to roll out and look for an arm but Dolidze ends the fight on top. Weird round to score. 10-9 Dolidze, 29-28 Dolidze.

Official Result- Trevin Giles def. Roman Dolidze by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Leonardo Santos (18-3-1, 7-0-1 UFC) vs. Grant Dawson (16-1, 4-0 UFC)
Lightweights

Dawson with a body kick. Dawson shoots for a takedown and just misses an uppercut attempt from Santos. Santos with a combo. Santos was landing some leg kicks but Dawson lands a right hand that makes Santos stumble. Dawson gets a brief takedown against the fence but Santos gets right back up. Dawson has the body lock against the fence and Santos landing short punches. Dawson trying real hard for the takedown but Santos defending and Santos gets a takedown of his own into side control then moves to the guard. They get to their feet and Dawson pressing into Santos. Dawson still working for a takedown but Santos defending well. Dawson is bleeding above his ear. Santos with clinch advantage at the end. Close round. 10-9 Santos.

They trade kicks to start and Dawson lands a right hand. Dawson with the body kick. Dawson lands a right hand and then a leg kick. Dawson with a leg kick and lands a right hand. Santos with an inside knee but Dawson lands a right hand. Santos then lands a kick to the groin of Dawson and we have a timeout. They get back to action and trade kicks. Dawson with a right hand to the body. They trade kicks. Dawson with an inside leg kick. Santos lands a step-in knee as Dawson shoots for the takedown and Dawson pushes Santos to the fence. They remain tied up and Dawson with some short knees as he’s trying to get Santos down. They are broken up by referee Chris Tognoni. Dawson goes for a takedown but Santos defends and takes the back and lands some punches. They get to their feet and Santos still has the back but they break and trade punches. Santos with a nice right hand. Dawson with a wheel kick at the end. 10-9 Dawson, 19-19.

Dawson with some teet kicks. Santos with a leg kick and Dawson with a right hand then a leg kick. Dawson with another right hand then a leg kick. Dawson tries a takedown but Santos defends as he sprawls. Dawson just laying into Santos against the fence. Dawson trying really hard to take Santos down but can’t. Dawson finally gets a takedown. Dawson in the half-guard of Santos and landing punches. Dawson remaining on top as both are tired. Dawson with more punches from the top and some hammerfists late knock Santos out cold! What a late finish by Dawson, incredible.

Official Result- Grant Dawson def. Leonardo Santos by knockout (punches) at 4:59 of Round 3

> Marion Reneau (#9, 9-6-1, 5-5-1 UFC) vs. Macy Chiasson (#11, 6-1, 4-1 UFC)
Women’s Bantamweights

Chiasson lands a left hand as Reneau was throwing a kick. Reneau with a leg kick. She lands another. They trade punches. Reneau with a calf kick. Chiasson with a body kick. Reneau with a combo. Chiasson with a leg kick. They trade body kicks. Chiasson with a body kick. They trade body kicks. They clinch and Reneau lands a knee. Chiasson with a knee. Reneau switches to back control and lands some knees to the thighs. Reneau with some right hands at the end. 10-9 Reneau.

Chiasson throwing punches to start the second and rocks Reneau. Reneau stumbles back and Chiasson comes in and they clinch. Reneau has blood coming from the nose. They are clinched up and trade knees. Chiasson landing knees as they remain clinched up against the fence. Chiasson with some elbows and lands a left hand. Chiasson with body punches as they stay clinched. Chiasson lands a body kick as they break. Reneau lands a right hand. Chiasson lands a combo. Reneau gets a takedown. Chiasson is able to sweep to the top and works in the guard of Reneau. Chiasson ends the round on top. 10-9 Chiasson, 19-19.

Reneau lands a punch and Chiasson stumbles to the mat for a brief second. They trade punches. Chiasson lands a left hand. Chiasson with a body kick. Reneau ducks under a Chiasson punch attempt and drags Chiasson to a knee but they stand and break and Chiasson lands a left on the break. Reneau lands a right hand. Chiasson with a body kick. Reneau lands a right hand and they clinch. Reneau gets a takedown but they work right back to their feet and break. Chiasson lands some dirty boxing and they trade inside the pocket. Chiasson with an elbow. Chiasson gets a takedown and ends the fight on top landing punches. Close, good fight. 10-9 Chiasson, 29-28 Chiasson.

Official Result- Macy Chiasson def. Marion Reneau by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

ESPN MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT

> Tai Tuivasa (10-3, 4-3 UFC) vs. Harry Hunsucker (7-3, 0-0 UFC)
Heavyweights

Tuivasa with a leg kick. Hunsucker with a leg kick and Tuivasa with one back. Hunsucker with a combo but Tuivasa hurts him with a leg kick. Tuivasa with some punches and sends Hunsucker down with a right hand and then finishes him off as he gets on top and lands punches. Tuivasa with a huge knockout win.

Official Result- Tai Tuivasa def. Harry Hunsucker by TKO (punches) at :49 of Round 1

> Adrian Yanez (12-3, 1-0 UFC) vs. Gustavo Lopez (12-5, 1-1 UFC)
Bantamweights

Lopez lands a combo. Yanez with a leg kick and body kick. Yanez lands a right hand and Lopez eats it. Yanez with another right hand. They trade punches. Lopez with a body kick. Lopez lands a right hand. Yanez with a body kick. Yanez with a combo. They trade hard punches. Yanez with a right hand and then lands a combo with a looping left hook. Yanez with another left hand that stuns Lopez. Yanez with a right hand. 10-9 Yanez.

Yanez with a right hand. They trade kicks. They are both throwing and Yanez lands a combo that ends with a right hand that drops Lopez. Lopez gets to his feet and both are throwing and Yanez with a flying knee followed by a left hand. They’re both circling around and looking for openings and Yanez with a high kick. The pace has really slowed. Lopez with a body kick and Yanez lands a counter right hand. Lopez with a leg kick. Yanez lands a right hand. Yanez with a high body kick. 10-9 Yanez, 20-18 Yanez.

Yanez lands a right hand. Yanez lands another right hand and Lopez face plants to the mat and it is over! What a showing and what a knockout by Yanez.

Official Result- Adrian Yanez def. Gustavo Lopez by knockout (punch) at :27 of Round 3

> Cheyanne Buys (5-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Montserrat Ruiz (9-1, 0-0 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights

They both connect right away and Conejo clinches against the fence but Buys reverses. Conejo gets the fight to the mat and has the head-and-arm position. Conejo landing left hands from this position as she applies pressure. Buys trying to hop over to escape as Conejo continues to land left hands. Conejo with more left hands. She lands more as Buys can’t escape from the position. Conejo holding position but not doing much other than short punches. Buys escapes and takes the back as the round ends. 10-9 Conejo.

Buys landing to start the second and lands a high kick. They trade in close range. Buys with a nice right hand. They exchange against the fence before clinching. Conejo gets the head as Buys has the back and Conejo gets a takedown with head-and-arm position again. Conejo with short left hands. They still battle in this position but Buys being more active this time. Buys trying hard to escape and she does and they scramble up. Conejo gets her down by the neck again. Buys escapes and lands a punch and is in side control. Buys gets to full mount at the end and lands big elbows and punches to end the round strong. 10-9 Conejo, 20-18 Conejo.

Buys trying to get Conejo to fight but Conejo just circling around. Buys lands a combo. They trade in close range. Buys with a right hand. Conejo lands a combo. Buys with a right hand. Buys lands another right hand. Buys with a body kick. Buys with a combo and lands a knee. Buys with a right hand. She lands another. They clinch for a second and Buys lands a left hand on the break. They clinch and Conejo gets another headlock takedown. Conejo with short left hands. Buys escapes and gets the back. Conejo scrambles to the top and lands some punches. Conejo now in the guard of Buys. She ends the fight on top. They exchange words and pleasantries after the fight, I’m not sure why. 10-9 Conejo, 30-27 Conejo.

Official Result- Montserrat Conejo def. Cheyanne Buys by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)

> Song Kenan (16-5, 4-1 UFC) vs. Max Griffin (16-8, 4-6 UFC)
Welterweights

Griffin with a leg kick. Kenan with a jab and then Griffin throws a right hand and a head kick. Griffin lands some right hands against the fence before they break. Kenan lands some jabs and Griffin landing leg kicks. Kenan with some body kicks. Kenan with a right hand. Kenan with a body kick and Griffin lands a left hand. Griffin lands a right cross and then lands a right hand that sends Kenan down to the ground and it is over. Big knockout win by Griffin.

Official Result- Max Griffin def. Song Kenan by knockout (punches) at 2:20 of Round 1

> Derek Brunson (#7, 21-7, 12-5 UFC) vs. Kevin Holland (#10, 21-5, 8-2 UFC)
Middleweights

They trade early and Brunson lands a punch and Holland slips on the mat and goes down and Brunson gets right on top. Brunson landing from the top and looks to land elbows but Holland playing great defense on the bottom. Brunson maintaining top position and landing to the body. Brunson with an elbow. Holland talking trash but still stuck on the bottom. Brunson lands a couple of stiff elbows and then some body punches. Brunson with more elbows before they scramble up to end the round. 10-9 Brunson.

Holland just misses a right hand to start the second. Holland with some short leg kicks. Holland talking to Khabib Nurmagomedov during the fight, as Khabib is sitting with Dana White. Brunson tries a takedown attempt but Holland defends. Holland lands a combo that rocks Brunson and then wobbles him with a right hand and Brunson goes down for a second but gets up and they clinch against the fence. Brunson gets a takedown. Brunson landing and looks for the mount but Holland going for a leg. Brunson spins out and gets into the half-guard and is looking for an arm-triangle. Brunson has it locked in and Holland is trying to fight it off. Holland is able to escape somehow and they get to their feet. Brunson ducks under a Holland right hand and gets a takedown. Brunson ends the round on top. 10-9 Brunson, 20-18 Brunson.

They trade and Brunson gets a takedown and works from the top. Holland looks to threaten with an armbar but Brunson escapes and is in his full guard. Brunson with some short right hands from the top. Holland landing a lot of strikes from the bottom as well. Brunson looks tired but he’s maintaining top control. Brunson with more body punches and switches to elbows. Holland not trying to even attempt to get out from the bottom. Brunson getting busier and lands another elbow. Brunson ends the round on top. 10-9 Brunson, 30-27 Brunson.

Brunson with a short leg kick. Holland lands a right hand and stuns Brunson for a moment but rushes in and Brunson recovers. They clinch and Brunson with some lefts before they break. Brunson with an uppercut and takes the back and then takes Holland down. Brunson in side control. They get to their feet. They clinch against the fence and Brunson trips Holland down and is in his guard. Brunson landing from the top. Brunson staying busy and Holland is back talking but doing nothing. Holland able to roll out but Brunson still has body control against the fence. They stay clinched against the fence and Holland slapping the ears but Brunson has control as the round ends. 10-9 Brunson, 40-36 Brunson.

Brunson lands a left hand. They clinch and trade knees. Holland is able to get a takedown and is in the guard of Brunson. Holland landing body punches from the top and landed a couple of head punches. Holland tried a slam but Brunson defended it but Holland remains on top. Holland with some big right hands from the top and Brunson kicks him off and they get to their feet. Brunson then gets a takedown against the fence. Holland landing from the bottom as Brunson just holding on from the top and Brunson lands some short body punches. Brunson stands and Holland gets up and Holland just walking around as the fight ends. 10-9 Holland, 49-46 Brunson.

Official Result- Derek Brunson def. Kevin Holland by unanimous decision (49-45, 49-46, 49-46)

UFC on ESPN+ 31 live results: Derek Brunson vs. Edmen Shahbazyan

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 31: Brunson vs. Shahbazyan, emanating from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Octagon returns to its home base in Las Vegas with a fun fight card capped off by a middleweight bout between a veteran and rising contender.

Derek Brunson looks to get his third straight win as he tries to hand Edmen Shahbazyan his first career loss in the main event. It will only be a three-round main event as it was a late replacement main event after Holly Holm vs. Irene Aldana was postponed, and was already signed as a three-round bout. Brunson hasn’t fought in nearly a year when he defeated Ian Heinisch, and Shahbazyan is looking to move to 12-0 in his career after knocking out Brad Tavares in November.

In the co-main event, Joanne Calderwood forgoes her guaranteed title shot in order to stay active as she meets Jennifer Maia. A win for Calderwood would strengthen her claim for the next shot at Valentina Shevchenko. Also on the main card is a welterweight bout between Vicente Luque and Randy Brown, a middleweight bout between Kevin Holland and Trevin Giles, and a lightweight rematch between Lando Vannata and Bobby Green after their first fight in 2017 ended in a draw.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT

> Chris Gutierrez (15-3-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Cody Durden (11-2, 0-0 UFC)
Bantamweights

Durden starts off with a leg kick and Gutierrez fires one back. Durden gets a takedown. Durden has the back and is landing punches from the back against the fence as Gutierrez is looking to escape. Durden looks for a choke but has it across the neck and was cranking against the jaw but let go. Durden looked for the choke again but was unable to find it. Gutierrez was able to spin to the top at the end of the first but time ran out. 10-9 Durden.

They trade to start the second. Gutierrez lands a leg kick. Durden shoots for a takedown and pushes Gutierrez against the cage. They break and Gutierrez with a leg kick and lands a right hand then another leg kick. Durden shoots for another takedown and Gutierrez defends. They break and Gutierrez lands a groin strike and we have a timeout. We get back to action and they trade and both land some hard shots. Gutierrez with some low kicks. They keep trading and Gutierrez getting the better of it as Durden looks for a takedown. They go to the mat and Gutierrez is looking for an armbar. Durden is defending and time runs out. 10-9 Gutierrez, 19-19.

Gutierrez with a high body kick to start the second. They trade leg kicks. We have another timeout as Durden now lands a groin strike. We quickly get back to action. Durden with a leg kick. Gutierrez with a high kick and then a calf kick. Durden shot from wide for a takedown but Gutierrez avoided it. Gutierrez with another leg kick followed by some punches. Durden shoots again but Gutierrez defends. Gutierrez with a leg kick followed by a right hand. Durden shoots again and has an ankle and Gutierrez lands a right hand and Durden drops to the mat. Durden stands and grabs the leg and eventually lets go. Gutierrez lands a knee and Durden falls to the mat. Gutierrez lands from the top and tries to jump into the guard but time ends. 10-9 Gutierrez, 29-28 Gutierrez.

Official Result- Chris Gutierrez vs. Cody Durden ends in a unanimous draw (28-28, 28-28, 28-28)

> Jamall Emmers (17-5, 0-1 UFC) vs. Vincent Cachero (7-2, 0-0 UFC)
Featherweights

Emmers with a right hand and then a leg kick. Emmers landing body kicks and following them with leg kicks. Cachero with a left hand. Emmers with some punches and then a body kick. Cachero with a left hand. They clinch and Emmers lands some knees to the body. Emmers with a step-in knee. Cachero with a leg kick. Emmers with a front kick to the body. Emmers with a leg kick and Cachero grabs it and lands a right hand and Emmers falls for a moment but stands and they tie up. Emmers eats a groin strike and we have a timeout. We get back to action and they trade. Emmers grabs a thai clinch and lands some knees to the body. Emmers with a combo. Emmers lands a knee to the body as Cachero tries a clinch and they break after Emmers lands a few knees. Emmers gets a late takedown. 10-9 Emmers.

Emmers landing strikes to start the second. Emmers lands an uppercut that stuns Cachero. Emmers lands some strikes against the fence. Emmers with some hard punches. Emmers with a right hand. They trade and Cachero is started to tire. Emmers with some punches that are landing hard. Cachero is eating them. Emmers gets a late takedown and Cachero lands some from the bottom.

Emmers with some leg kicks and right hands early and looks for a takedown but Cachero defends. Emmers completes the takedown and is in the guard of Cachero. Cachero lands some elbows from the bottom. Emmers looks for a kimura as he moves to side control but lets go. Cachero able to scramble up and lands a knee but Emmers still has wrist control against the fence. They break to the center. Emmers shoots again but Cachero defends as Emmers has the body lock against the fence. Emmers finishes the takedown and is in side control. Emmers gets the back but is up high and has the hooks in. Emmers working for a choke but time runs out. 10-9 Emmers, 30-27 Emmers.

Official Result- Jamall Emmers def. Vincent Cachero by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Johnny Munoz (10-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Nathan Maness (11-1, 0-0 UFC)
Featherweights

Both men are making their UFC debut. They are trading in close range. Munoz looking for a takedown against the fence and lands a groin strike. Maness recovers and we get back to action and Munoz lands another groin strike and we have another timeout. They get back to action and are trading and Munoz gets a takedown and is working in the half-guard. Munoz now gets to side control and is working for a kimura. Munoz lands some hammerfists and takes the back and flattens Maness and lands some big punches from the back. Munoz with lots of punches as the round ends. Strong finish to the round from Munoz. 10-8 Munoz.

Munoz tries to go right for a takedown but Maness defends. They break and trade punches. Maness lands a right hand. Munoz shoots and tries to pull guard but Maness defends as they clinch against the fence. They break and Munoz grabs the single leg and pushes Maness against the fence. Munoz is cut over the eye as they remain tied up against the fence. They are broken up by the referee after Munoz grabbed the fence. Munoz shoots again and Maness defends and they are clinched against the fence. Munoz with some short knees as Maness lands some body punches. They break and Maness tries a flying knee but misses. Munoz shoots for a takedown and grabs the single leg and then gets a big slam takedown and is in the guard of Maness and ends the round there. 10-9 Munoz, 20-17 Munoz.

Munoz lands a third groin strike to start the round and we have another timeout. A point is taken away from Munoz. They get back to action and clinch against the fence and Munoz has Maness against the fence. They are trading short punches in the clinch but not much is happening. They are broken up by the referee. Maness with some right hands and Munoz shoots for the takedown but Maness defends and they are tied up against the fence again. Munoz has done a lot of stalling against the fence the last two rounds. Maness with some short knees. Munoz drops down for the single leg and Maness is defending. Maness gets a takedown and Munoz tries for a triangle but Maness slips away. Munoz looking for a calf slicer but time runs out. 10-8 Maness with the point deduction, 28-27 Munoz.

Official Result- Nate Maness def. Johnny Munoz by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)

> Frankie Saenz (13-6, 5-4 UFC) vs. Jonathan Martinez (11-3, 2-2 UFC)
Bantamweights* (Martinez missed weight by 4.5 pounds)

Saenz was throwing punches right away. Saenz lands a right hand and transitions it into a takedown but Martinez is able to get to his feet. They get to their feet and Saenz still has the body lock. Martinez with a knee to the body and they break. They trade and Martinez with a front kick. Saenz with a right hand. Martinez with more front kicks and lands a knee as Saenz looked to shoot for the takedown. Martinez with a body kick. Martinez with a leg kick. Saenz trying to land the right hand and shoots in but Martinez lands a knee. Martinez with a late flurry and lands an uppercut. 10-9 Martinez.

They are trading to start the second and Martinez landing some punches and kicks. Saenz shoots for a takedown but Martinez defends. Martinez with a body kick that hurts Saenz. Martinez with a knee to the body and some left hands. Martinez with a big body kick and then another big knee to the body. Martinez with a head kick and Saenz drops and Martinez lands from the top but Saenz gets to his feet. Saenz tries a takedown but Martinez defends. Martinez with some body kicks and left hands. Martinez lands a head kick as Saenz was coming forward and Saenz goes down. Martinez gets on top and lands some punches but Saenz somehow survives the round. 10-8 Martinez, 20-17 Martinez.

Martinez lands a groin strike to start the third and we have a timeout. We get back to action and Martinez with a body kick. Martinez drops Saenz again with a knee right to the jaw and starts landing punches and the fight is stopped. Huge finish by Martinez as he gets the win.

Official Result- Jonathan Martinez def. Frankie Saenz by TKO (knee and punches) at :57 of Round 3

ESPN+ MAIN CARD | 9 PM ET/6 PM PT

> Kevin Holland (17-5, 4-2 UFC) vs. Trevin Giles (12-2, 3-2 UFC)
Middleweights

THIS FIGHT WAS CALLED OFF AFTER GILES FAINTED BACKSTAGE PRIOR TO WALKING OUT.

> Lando Vannata (11-4-2, 3-4-2 UFC) vs. Bobby Green (25-10-1, 6-5-1 UFC)
Lightweights

Green with a front kick and a double jab. They trade in close range. Vannata with a high kick. They trade right hands. Green with a couple of low calf kicks. They trade right hands and Vannata landed a big right hook that staggers Green. Vannata lands a combo. Green with a body kick. They are trading in close range. Green lands a right hand that hurts Vannata and they scramble to the mat. Green lands from the top but they scramble up and are tied up against the fence. Vannata has the back and Green lands a backwards elbow. They are trading right hands and both land some good punches. Green with the double jab and then lands a combo. Vannata with a good right hand. Fun round. 10-9 Green.

They start the second by trading and Green fighting with his hands down. Vannata lands a right hand. Green with a left cross. They tie up against the fence and Green lands a knee and they break. Green with a calf kick. Green with a nice jab. Green landing in close range but eats a hard right hand from Vannata. Green gets a takedown. Vannata tries for a guillotine but Green passes guard and then they get to their feet. Vannata gets a takedown and Green gets to his feet and lands some solid late punches. 10-9 Green, 20-18 Green.

They trade to start the third and Green drops Vannata with a left hand and starts to land from the top. Green with some elbows and punches from the top. Vannata in a lot of trouble. Green in the half-guard. Vannata is able to get to his feet. They trade and Green gets a takedown and Vannata grabs the neck but lets go. Green in the half-guard and lands a big elbow from the top. They scramble to their feet. Green lands a combo and a knee to the body. Vannata with a hard right hand. Green with a calf kick. They trade. Green with a nice combo. Vannata with a right hand. Really fun fight. 10-9 Green, 30-27 Green.

Official Result- Bobby Green def. Lando Vannata by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

> Vicente Luque (#11, 18-7-1, 11-3 UFC) vs. Randy Brown (12-3, 6-3 UFC)
Welterweights

Brown with a quick left hook. Brown with a leg kick. They are trading punches and Luque with some leg kicks. Brown with a body punch. Luque drops Brown with a right hand and gets on top and lands some left hands. Luque with some elbows to the body and they get to their feet. Brown with a combo. Luque with a leg kick. Luque with a body kick. They clinch against the fence. Brown with a knee to the body. 10-9 Luque.

Brown with a front kick. They trade body kicks and Luque lands a groin strike and we have a timeout. We get back to action and Brown with a spin kick. Luque lands a left hand. They are trading and Luque lands some hard leg kicks. Luque with a body kick and Brown with a spinning elbow. Brown with a front teet kick to the body. They clinch and Brown with a knee. Luque throwing punches but Brown ducking under. Brown with a takedown and into side control. They get to their feet and clinch. Luque grabs the neck and then lands a big knee that drops Brown and lands some big follow-up punches and the fight is stopped. Big knockout win with seconds to go in the second round.

Official Result- Vicente Luque def. Randy Brown by knockout (strikes) at 4:56 of Round 2

> Joanne Calderwood (#3, 14-4, 6-4 UFC) vs. Jennifer Maia (#6, 17-6-1, 2-2 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

Calderwood with a front kick. Maia lands a nice punch. Maia with a combo. Maia with a stiff jab. Calderwood with a high kick. They trade punches. Maia with a kick but Calderwood catches it and gets a big takedown. Calderwood on top looking to pass guard but Maia has wrist control from the bottom. Calderwood gets into the full guard of Maia. Maia looking for an armbar and has it locked in and Calderwood taps! Wow, an upset there for sure and Calderwood risked a guaranteed title shot for this fight and it doesn’t pay off.

Official Result- Jennifer Maia def. Joanne Calderwood by submission (armbar) at 4:29 of Round 1

> Derek Brunson (#8, 20-7, 11-5 UFC) vs. Edmen Shahbazyan (#9, 11-0, 4-0 UFC)
Middleweights

Shahbazyan goes to the body early and Brunson with a couple of leg kicks. Shahbazyan with a body punch. Brunson with an inside leg kick. Shahbazyan with a right hand. Brunson with another leg kick and then follows it with a left hand. Brunson with a left hand and then shoots in for a takedown. Shahbazyan lands some elbows but Brunson gets the takedown and has the back. Brunson with a left hand as he tries to get the hooks in. They get to their feet and Brunson lands a shot as they break. Shahbazyan with a big right hand and then another. Brunson with a leg kick. They exchange in close range. Brunson tries for a takedown as Shahbazyan lands a knee to the body. Brunson with a left hand. Shahbazyan with a hard right hand late. Close round. 10-9 Shahbazyan.

Shahbazyan with a hard body kick to start the second. Brunson with a body kick and lands a left hand. Shahbazyan tries a left but Brunson ducks under and is able to complete a takedown but Shahbazyan gets up. Brunson lands some left hands as Shahbazyan escapes. Brunson with a body kick and follows with a jab. Shahbazyan with a body kick and he is starting to throw more. Brunson now lands a combo against the fence and lands a big left hand to the body. They clinch and Brunson lands a big knee as they break. Brunson lands some left hands as Shahbazyan has his back against the cage. Brunson drags Shahbazyan to the mat and is in side control and lands a right hand. Shahbazyan gives up his back and Brunson landing big punches. Brunson gets to the mount and is landing some punches and elbows. Brunson with a big elbow. Brunson with some big punches from the top as the round ends and Shahbazyan was in a huge amount of trouble and is cut open. Huge round for Brunson. 10-8 Brunson, 19-18 Brunson.

It looked like Herb Dean had waved it off but the fight goes on after Shahbazyan was checked out by the doctors. Brunson gets on Shahbazyan right away and lands punches and takes Shahbazyan down and lands some more punches and Dean calls it off. Brunson with the huge win as he scores the upset.

Official Result- Derek Brunson def. Edmen Shahbazyan by TKO (punches) at :26 of Round 3

UFC on FOX 27 draws lowest overnight ratings in series history

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Saturday night’s UFC on FOX show headlined by Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza’s first round win over Derek Brunson did 1.59 million viewers based on the overnight ratings.

The number would be the lowest overnight rating in the history of the series as the previous low was the July 22nd show with Chris Weidman vs. Kelvin Gastelum that did 1.64 million viewers.

Making it worse is that the winter number are historically stronger for UFC than the summer numbers.

The number isn’t a surprise, since the show looked to be the weakest UFC on FOX event based on marquee star power, with no names on the undercard having any strong name value.

FOX finished in last place among the networks in total viewers, and even in the 18-49 demo, where the show did a 0.5, it placed third among the four networks.

The Golden State Warriors vs. Boston Celtics game on ABC did a 1.3 in the 18-49 demo and 3.70 million viewers.

The final number, which comes out on Tuesday, will rise based on including the West Coast, which the overnights only measure FOX stations from 8-10 p.m. and the show aired 5-7 p.m. on the West Coast. But the gain will be less than usual since the main event only went one round. For a UFC on FOX special, the highest ratings are traditionally after 10 p.m. and the longer the main event, the better for the final ratings.

UFC on FOX 27 live results: Jacare Souza vs. Derek Brunson 2

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On FOX 27: Jacare vs. Brunson 2, emanating from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Octagon heads to Charlotte for the first time in almost eight years with a main event that could have future title shot implications on the line.

Former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza will look to get back into the win column as he takes on Derek Brunson, winner of two straight, in the five-round main event. The fight is a rematch of an August 2012 bout in Strikeforce, which Souza won by a knockout in the first round.

Also on the main card, Dennis Bermudez takes on Andre Fili in featherweight action, Jordan Rinaldi looks to hand Gregor Gillespie his first career loss in a lightweight bout, and a welterweight bout between Drew Dober and Frank Camacho kicks off the main card.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 4 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

Before the fights begin, check out our questions leading into UFC Fight Night Charlotte.

UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 4 PM ET/1 PM PT

> Austin Arnett (15-3, 0-0 UFC) vs. Cory Sandhagen (7-1, 0-0 UFC)
Featherweights

Sandhagen presses forward early looking to land and lands a right hand before they clinch. They break and Arnett landed a left hand. Arnett is landing punches as Sandhagen was coming forward but Sandhagen started landing punches and kicks to the body. Sandhagen landed a left hook to the body and followed it with a knee to Arnett’s head. Sandhagen scored a takedown and was landing elbows and punches from the top. Arnett landed an upkick but kept eating punches. Arnett was able to get to his feet. Sandhagen landed a left hand. They were trading and Arnett got underhooks against the fence to end the round. 10-9 Sandhagen.

Sandhagen starts landing punches and kicks to start the second round. Sandhagen landed some knees in the clinch. Sandhagen landed an elbow on the break from the clinch and then a head kick. Arnett has been unable to counter with offense. Sandhagen with more attacks to the body. Arnett grabbed the back and was too high on the back and Sandhagen slipped out and end up in the half-guard and was landing punches and elbows from the top. Arnett cut open. Arnett was able to escape from the bottom. Sandhagen landed a spinning back fist. Sandhagen landed a big liver punch and was landing knees and then dropped Arnett with another liver punch and then finished him off with more punches on the ground. Impressive stoppage by Sandhagen.

Official Result- Cory Sandhagen def. Austin Arnett by TKO (strikes) at 3:48 of Round 2

> Niko Price (10-1 1 NC, 2-1 1 NC UFC) vs. George Sullivan (17-5 1 NC, 3-2 UFC)
Welterweights

Sullivan is coming off of two USADA violations. They both press forward and Sullivan is the aggressor. Price landing some punches but missed a big right hand. Sullivan with a body kick. Sullivan with a combo ending with a big right hand. Price went for a takedown but Sullivan was defending with punches. Price got the takedown and was in side control. Price went to the half-guard then got into full guard. Sullivan gets back to his feet. Sullivan grabbed the body and was working for a takedown. Price has been landing more on his feet. Sullivan got a brief takedown. Price got to his feet and landing a big knee to the body at the end. 10-9 Price.

They came out trading punches and then Price rocked Sullivan with a right hand. Price was looking to finish but Sullivan recovered with a body lock and then got a takedown. Sullivan working inside the guard of Price and was landing some elbows and punches. Sullivan remained on top and cut Price open with an elbow. Price was able to slip out from the bottom and got a takedown on Sullivan and grabbed the back and was working for a choke while landing punches. Price got the choke locked in deep and Sullivan tapped! Nice stoppage by Price as he worked out of trouble there.

Official Result- Niko Price def. George Sullivan by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:21 of Round 2

FOX SPORTS 1 PRELIMS | 5 PM ET/2 PM PT

> Vinc Pichel (10-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Joaquim Silva (10-0, 3-0 UFC)
Lightweights

They traded early. Pichel with a leg kick. Pichel looking for head kicks but both being tentative so far. Pichel with another inside leg kick. Silva keeps circling away. Silva lands a combo to the body. Pichel with another leg kick. Silva with a big body kick. Silva landing more punches. Silva just misses a head kick. Pichel tried to pick Silva up and slam him but Silva had good balance and was able to stay on his feet. 10-9 Silva.

Pichel just misses a right hand. Pichel landed an elbow and then shot in for a takedown but it was defended. Pichel landed a left hand. Pichel with a big combo. Silva firing back with body kicks. Silva just misses a wheel kick to the head. Pichel with a leg kick and follows it with an uppercut. Silva with a spin kick to the body but Pichel swarms on him with right hands and a knee to the body. Pichel with a low kick. Pichel with some more kicks. Pichel with more leg kicks late. 10-9 Pichel, 19-19.

They are trading kicks and body punches. Silva went for a jumping high kick but slipped and Pichel almost took advantage of it but Silva got back to his feet. Silva landed a couple of right hands. Silva with a body kick but Pichel counters with a right hand. They trade punches. Pichel with a body kick. They are trading punches and Silva is pouring it on late. Pichel got a brief takedown late. Pichel landed a knee but slipped. They clinched and Silva landed some knees. Fun fight. 10-9 Silva, 29-28.

Official Result- Vinc Pichel def. Joaquim Silva by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Justine Kish (6-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Ji Yeon Kim (6-1-2, 0-1 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

Kim landed a right hand to start. Kish landed some low kicks. A lot of tentativeness on the feet. Kish with a solid combo. Kim landed a hook that rocked Kish. Kim lands the jab and Kish counters with a body kick. They were trading and Kish slipped on a high kick. Kish throwing and landing with more volume but Kim landing bigger punches. They get in close range and Kish landing. 10-9 Kish.

Kish is landing kicks but Kim is countering with punches. They are trading punches in the pocket. Kish with a leg kick.  Kish still landing leg kicks and Kim trying to find an opening with just a right hand. Kim isn’t changing up her attack. Kish landed a left hook right on the chin. Kish landed a nice combo. 10-9 Kish, 20-18 Kish.

They were trading and Kish was starting to land with more volume. Kish landed an uppercut but Kim was poked in the eye at the same time. We have a brief timeout. They get back to action and Kim is chasing Kish around with the right hand. They are trading punches. Kim is looking for the knockout punch. Kim lands a left hand. Kim is rocking Kish. Kish is bleeding from her nose. Kim landing the left jab but Kish counters with a leg kick. Kim lands a combo. Kish with some leg kicks. Kish with a left hand and a spinning back fist. 10-9 Kim, 29-28 Kish.

Official Result- Ji Yeon Kim def. Justine Kish by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

> Randa Markos (#11, 7-5, 3-4 UFC) vs. Juliana Lima (9-4, 3-3 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights

Lima was landing leg kicks early but Markos was able to clinch Lima against the fence and has the underhooks. They exchange some knees as they hold onto each other. They are still battling for underhooks against the fence. They keep switching positions as neither is able to get an advantage. Lima gets a takedown and is in the guard of Markos. Markos is able to sweep and ends up in the mount and lands some punches and elbows from the top. 10-9 Markos.

Lima lands a kick but Markos fires back with a combo. Markos goes for a takedown but Lima reverses it and ends up on top. Lima lands some on top before they are stood up by the referee. Markos lands some punches. Lima with a kick but Markos grabs her and lands some uppercuts and then scores a takedown. Markos is on top in full mount and is landing a lot of punches. Markos with more punches from the top. Markos with some elbows to the body. Markos back into the full guard. 10-9 Markos, 20-18 Markos.

Markos lands a big combo of punches before they clinch. Markos gets a judo throw takedown and is landing big punches from the mount. Markos is trying to find a finish. Markos remains on top and Lima is unable to do anything to get out from the bottom. Markos now in side control. They scramble to their feet and clinch. Markos looking for a takedown as they battle for underhooks. 10-9 Markos, 30-27 Markos.

Official Result- Randa Markos def. Juliana Lima by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Katlyn Chookagian (#11 WBW, 9-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Mara Romero Borella (#9, 12-4 1 NC, 1-0 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

They trade some punches early on. Borella lands a right hand. Borella with a couple of leg kicks and Chookagian lands a right hand counter. Borella with another leg kick. Borella lands a right hand. Chookagian only throwing the jab. Chookagian now mixing her strikes but not landing much. Borella with a couple more leg kicks. Chookagian with a body punch but Borella fires back with a combo. They trade punches. Chookagian now throwing some kicks. Chookagian with a combo late. 10-9 Borella.

They are trading and while Chookagian is throwing more volume, she isn’t landing much and Borella is landing more. They clinch and Borella lands a knee to Chookagian’s head as they break. Chookagian back to throwing more punches that aren’t landing. Borella with a leg kick. 10-9 Borella, 20-18 Borella.

Borella lands a leg kick. Chookagian is still throwing at air. Her style of throwing more volume, while not landing, may get her the decision. Borella with an inside leg kick. Borella lands a right hand and a body kick. This fight is really boring. Both land a jab. Borella lands a combo. Borella gets the body lock and is looking for a takedown against the fence. Borella gets the takedown and is in the guard. Chookagian looking for a triangle but Borella gets out and they’re on their feet. They trade some more late. 10-9 Borella, 30-27 Borella.

Official Result- Katlyn Chookagian def. Mara Romero Borella by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Mirsad Bektic (#15, 11-1, 4-1 UFC) vs. Godofredo Pepey (13-5, 5-5 UFC)
Featherweights

They are both swinging at air to start the fight. Pepey with a spin kick to the body. Bektic lands a right hand and they clinch but break. Pepey landing the jab and Bektic has a mouse under his left hand. Bektic then lands a right hand right to the solar plexus and Pepey crumbles to the mat. Bektic lands a few more punches from the top and the referee waves off the fight! Big knockout win in the first for Bektic.

Official Result- Mirsad Bektic def. Godofredo Pepey by TKO (punches) at 2:47 of Round 1

> Erik Koch (15-5, 4-4 UFC) vs. Bobby Green  (23-8-1, 4-3-1 UFC)
Lightweights

They traded kicks to start off the fight. Koch landed a left hand that rocked Green. Koch then landed another. Green fired back with a combo that stunned Koch for a moment. Koch lands a big right hook. They clinch and both land some knees. Koch gets a trip takedown. Koch looking to set up a choke. Green is defending and Koch moves to mount and lands some big elbows. Green gives up his back and Koch is working for a choke. Koch has the hooks in. Green able to escape and they get to their feet. Green lands a kick and grabs the back and Green lands a right hand off the break. 10-9 Koch.

They trade and Koch lands a body kick. Koch lands a left hand. Green lands a body kick. Green with some punches to the body and then lands some knees to the body. Koch lands a left hand. They clinch for a moment. They trade punches after they break. Koch lands a counter left hand and then a nice body kick. Green coming forward chasing Koch around. They are trading and Green lands a right hand. Green attacking the body with a lot of volume. They clinch and Green with some knees to the body. Green with a body kick and just misses a right hand as Koch circles away. Green with a body punch. Green with some right hands in the pocket at the end of the round. 10-9 Green, 19-19.

Green lands a nasty right hand. Koch is hurt but still pressing forward. They clinch and Green with some dirty boxing. They break and Green back to attacking the body. Green with a right hand to the body and then one to the head. They trade punches. Green is stalking Koch around the Octagon. Green gets a takedown and is in side control. Green with some elbows from the top and the blood is flying off of Koch. Green tried to transition but Koch found an opening and exploded to the top. Green going for a switch and gives up his back and then ends up winning the scramble and Green is in side control. Green with some punches to the body on top. Green with punches from the top to end the fight. Good fight. 10-9 Green, 29-28 Green.

Official Result- Bobby Green def. Erik Koch by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

FOX MAIN CARD | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Drew Dober (18-8 1 NC, 4-4 1 NC UFC) vs. Frank Camacho (21-5, 1-1 UFC)
Welterweights

They trade in close range and then clinch inside the opening minute. Camacho gets a trip takedown and is in side control. They scramble back to their feet. Dober with a leg kick. Dober landing combos. Camacho with a right hand. Dober with a body kick. They are trading and then clinch. Dober with an elbow but Camacho gets another trip takedown. Camacho on top and landing. They got to their feet and Camacho dropped Dober with a right hand at the end of the round. 10-9 Camacho.

They come out swinging in the pocket before clinching. Camacho grabbed the neck as they were standing and they both went to the ground and Camacho ended up in Dober’s guard. They get to their feet and Camacho is looking tired. Dober with some body punches and then starts attacking the head. Dober is coming on strong with big combos. They clinch and trade knees. Camacho lands a big right hand. Dober landing combos and big left hands. Dober landing more combos. Dober with a leg kick. Camacho countered with some attacks to the body. Dober with a leg kick. Dober with a combo and Camacho is tired. Dober lands a left hand and then to the body and then back to the head. Dober with a body kick. They trade at the end. 10-9 Dober, 19-19.

They were trading and Dober shot in for a takedown but Camacho was able to reverse it with a trip takedown. They got back to their feet and Dober is still the fresher fighter. Dober landing punches as Camacho takes a couple of deep breaths. Dober with a spin kick to the body. They trade big combos. They trade inside the pocket. They clinch and Dober with some dirty boxing. Dober with an uppercut. They trade big punches at the end of the fight. Close final round. 10-9 Dober, 29-28 Dober.

Official Result- Drew Dober def. Frank Camacho by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Jordan Rinaldi (13-5, 1-1 UFC) vs. Gregor Gillespie (10-0, 3-0 UFC)
Lightweights

Rinaldi lands a couple of left hooks. Rinaldi with a head kick but Gillespie fires back with some quick punches. Rinaldi with a step in knee but Gillespie grabs the leg though Rinaldi slips out. Gillespie gets the single-leg takedown and is in the half-guard. Gillespie goes to side control but transitions to the mount. Rinaldi gives up his back for a moment but back to half-guard and back to mount for Gillespie. Gillespie is working for a choke. Rinaldi gives up his back but gets to his knees. Gillespie still has the back. Gillespie with a knee to the body as he still has the back. Big punches from Gillespie. More big punches and he’s looking to finish. The fight is stopped! Gillespie made it look easy as he gets the stoppage in the first.

Official Result- Gregor Gillespie def. Jordan Rinaldi by TKO (punches) at 4:46 of Round 1

> Dennis Bermudez (#12, 16-7, 9-5 UFC) vs. Andre Fili (17-5, 5-4 UFC)
Featherweights

Bermudez with a leg kick. Fili with a leg kick and Bermudez shoots for a takedown but it is defended. Bermudez with the double jab and then a leg kick. Bermudez with a left hook to the body but Fili counters with a combo. They clinch and Bermudez has Fili against the fence. They break and Fili with a body kick. They trade punches. Fili gets a brief takedown but right back to their feet. Bermudez with a big leg kick. Bermudez with the double jab. Fili with a counter right hand. Fili with a leg kick. Bermudez with a heavy leg kick. Fili with a combo. Fili scores a late takedown. They get to their feet. 10-9 Bermudez.

They clinch and Bermudez lands on the break. Bermudez with a leg kick followed by a right hand. Bermudez with a leg kick and Fili counters with a takedown. They get to their feet quickly and Bermudez is looking for a takedown. Bermudez looks to lift Fili but Fili shakes himself away. Bermudez with a leg kick. Bermudez with another. Fili is working the jab. Bermudez tries a takedown but it is defended. Fili lands a left hand as he was backing away. They clinch and Bermudez pushes the fight against the fence. Fili gets a takedown and is in the full guard of Bermudez. Bermudez with the underhook to get to his feet. Bermudez with a right hand. 10-9 Bermudez, 20-18 Bermudez.

Fili landing the jab. Bermudez with a leg kick. Bermudez goes high with the kick. Bermudez with the triple jab but Fili counters with an uppercut. Bermudez with the jab. Fili lands a big left high kick. They clinch and Bermudez lands a low knee and we have a timeout for Fili to recover. We get back to action and Bermudez with some leg kicks. Bermudez coming on strong going after Fili. Bermudez with a right hand. Fili missing the jab. Bermudez with a leg kick and then a left hand. Fili lands a left hand. Bermudez lands a good combo against the fence. Bermudez gets a takedown late but Fili able to scramble to the top. 10-9 Bermudez, 30-27 Bermudez.

Official Result- Andre Fili def. Dennis Bermudez by split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)

> Ronaldo Souza (#3, 24-5 1 NC, 7-2 UFC) vs. Derek Brunson (#8, 18-5, 9-3 UFC)
Middleweights

Souza with a body kick. Brunson with a body kick. Souza with another. Brunson just misses a left hand. Souza with a big right hand followed by a leg kick. Both being very patient. Souza with a right hand. Souza gets a brief takedown. Brunson stumbles backwards after they get up. Brunson with a combo but Souza lands a counter right hook. Souza with a right hand to the body and then drops Brunson with a  head kick. Brunson stumbles down and Souza lands a left uppercut and a right hand that drops Brunson again and Souza finishes Brunson off with a couple more punches. Souza with the big knockout win!

Official Result- Ronaldo Souza def. Derek Brunson by knockout (strikes) at 3:50 of Round 1

UFC Fight Night 119 live results: Derek Brunson vs. Lyoto Machida

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 119: Brunson vs. Machida, emanating from Ginasio do Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The event is headlined by the return of former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida, who competes for the first time since June 2015, as he takes on Derek Brunson in a five-round middleweight main event.

Machida is looking to end a two-fight losing skid and place himself back into the title hunt in a crowded 185-pound division but he’ll have to get by the always tough Brunson, winner of six of his last eight fights.

In the co-main event, Demian Maia looks to work towards another title shot when he takes on Colby Covington, a rising welterweight who has won four straight fights. Also on the main card is a battle of rising bantamweight contenders Pedro Munhoz and Rob Font, exciting UFC veteran Jim Miller battles Francisco Trinaldo, and the always exciting John Lineker takes on Marlon Vera.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT

> Marcelo Golm (5-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Christian Colombo (8-2-1, 0-1-1 UFC)
Heavyweights

Golm landed a big left hook right at the start of the fight. Golm then unleashed a combo on Colombo and had him rocked against the fence. Golm took Colombo down into the mount and was pounding away from the top. This fight is close to being stopped. Colombo gave up his back and Golm was unloading punches on a busted open Colombo. Golm gets a choke in and Colombo taps out! Golm with a quick win in his UFC debut. This looked like a mismatch.

Official Result- Marcelo Golm def. Christian Colombo by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:08 of Round 1

> Deiveson Figueiredo (12-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Jarred Brooks (13-0, 1-0 UFC)
Flyweights

They have been trash talking each other since the weigh-ins. Figueiredo missed a spin kick right at the start. They were battling in the clinch early. Figueiredo stuffed two takedowns early but Brooks was able to pick him up and slam him to the mat. Brooks worked in the guard. Figueiredo was able to spin out to his feet and then had a quick drop down to the mat before they got to their feet and separated. Brooks got another slam takedown into the guard. Brooks with some punches from the top at the end of the round. 10-9 Brooks.

Figueiredo was stalking Brooks around the Octagon to start the second and landed a big right hand, then an upkick and an uppercut. Brooks was able to fight back with a takedown but Figueiredo had the neck for a guillotine but Brooks popped out. Figueiredo went for another guillotine attempt but Brooks got back out. They were scrambling and Brooks grabbed the shorts to grab the back and the referee stood them up and warned Brooks.Figueiredo got a late takedown. 10-9 Figueiredo, 19-19.

Brooks got a quick takedown but Figueiredo reversed and grabbed the neck for a choke but Brooks popped out. They scrambled to their feet. Brooks with another slam takedown but they got right back up. Brooks has the back and is landing knees to the body. Brooks with a suplex but they got right back up. Figueiredo attacked with a kimura but Brooks got his arm out. They got to their feet and Brooks is tired. Figueiredo landed some solid punches. Figueiredo is landing but he’s not attacking much and it might cost him a chance at winning the fight. Brooks missed a late takedown but got one with ten seconds left. Close fight. 10-9 Brooks, 29-28 Brooks.

Official Result- Deiveson Figueiredo def. Jarred Brooks by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

FOX SPORTS 2 PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (17-5, 3-1 UFC) vs. Max Griffin (13-3, 1-1 UFC)
Welterweights

They were firing back and forth to start. They both went for flying knees at the same time and clinched before breaking. They were trading punches and Griffin is bleeding under his right eye. Dos Santos is landing more. Griffin rocked Dos Santos with a right hand and dropped him and went into the guard. Dos Santos was able to recover and he got to his feet. Dos Santos then rocked Griffin with a right hand and Griffin is stumbling around the Octagon. Dos Santos is landing more and Griffin goes to the mat. Dos Santos gets on top and is landing from the back and looks for a choke. They get up and Dos Santos with a big knee and some big punches. Griffin looks out on his feet but he survived the round. That should have been stopped. 10-8 Dos Santos.

Griffin came out for the second round but still looks in trouble. Dos Santos throwing with a lot of power and he’s just missing some head kicks. They traded left hands and Dos Santos landed a following left hook. They are both throwing. Griffin landed two right hands. Griffin dropped Dos Santos with a right hand but Dos Santos got back to his feet. Griffin landed some more punches. Dos Santos is holding his hands low. Dos Santos landed an uppercut as they went into the clinch. They traded knees late. 10-9 Griffin, 19-18 Dos Santos.

Dos Santos was coming out with some kicks and was following them up with some punches. Griffin was strictly looking to land a big overhand right but was landing some. Dos Santos then landed a big right hand that rocked Griffin. Griffin came back landing some good punches. Dos Santos then started landing big right hands and had Griffin rocked again. Dos Santos landed some knees in the clinch before they broke. Dos Santos landed some punches and Griffin looks done in this fight. Griffin landed some soft knees in the clinch but Dos Santos was firing back with harder knees and punches. Dos Santos landed a right hand at the end. Fun fight. 10-9 Dos Santos, 29-27 Dos Santos.

Official Result- Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos def. Max Griffin by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-28)

> Hacran Dias (23-5-1, 3-4 UFC) vs. Jared Gordon (13-1, 1-0 UFC)
Lightweights

Dias was being the aggressive fighter in the opening minute and was landing punches and kicks. Gordon was firing back. Gordon got a takedown against the fence but Dias was able to get back to his feet and they broke. They traded punches. Dias landed a nice combo as they were in short range. They were trading and Gordon is having an issue with his right eye. It doesn’t seem to be affecting him much. Both were landing punches at the end of the round. Good round. 10-9 Dias.

They came out trading to start the second. Gordon went for a takedown but it was stuffed by Dias against the fence. They went to the mat for a moment with Dias in the better position but they got back to their feet and clinched. Gordon looks to be tiring due to his high output. They clinch again and Gordon is landing short punches. Gordon with some knees to the body and then punches to the body and head. He just misses a head kick on the break. Gordon gets a takedown and is working in the half guard. Gordon with hammerfists from the top but he grabbed the fence and was warned. More hammerfists from Gordon and he is looking for the finish. Gordon goes to the mount and is landing more punches. This could have been stopped several times. Dias survives. Big round for Gordon. 10-8 Gordon, 19-18 Gordon.

Dias had trouble getting to his feet at the end of the second round. Gordon is the fresher fighter and he is pushing the action early. Gordon went for a takedown but it was defended. They were battling for underhooks against the fence and Gordon tried another takedown but it was stuffed. They broke the clinch. We have a timeout due to an eye poke. Back to action and Gordon gets a takedown and is working in the half-guard and is landing punches. Complete domination from Gordon over the final two rounds. Gordon was landing punches and it looked like it was going to be stopped but the referee backed off. That was weird. Gordon with more ground and pound. This should have been stopped so many times. Dias grabbed the arm for a late armbar but time ran out. 10-8 Gordon, 29-26 Gordon.

Official Result- Jared Gordon def. Hacran Dias by unanimous decision (29-26, 29-27, 30-26)

> Antonio Carlos Junior (8-2 1 NC, 5-2 1 NC UFC) vs. Jack Marshman (22-6, 2-1 UFC)
Middleweights

They were both looking for openings to land strikes early in the fight. Carlos Junior lands a solid combination followed by a leg kick. He landed another but was caught by Marshman who let it go. They clinched against the fence and Carlos Junior tripped Marshman to the mat. Carlos Junior is working from the half-guard and looking to pass to mount. Carlos Junior is landed some punches and elbows. He gets to the mount position. Carlos Junior landing punches from the top. Marshman gives up his back and Carlos Junior locks in the rear-naked choke and gets the quick tap.

Official Result- Antonio Carlos Junior def. Jack Marshman by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:30 of Round 1

> Vicente Luque (11-6-1, 4-2 UFC) vs. Niko Price (10-0 1 NC, 2-0 1 NC UFC)
Welterweights

They were trading early with long punches. Luque was landing with leg kicks while Price was strictly punching. Luque looked to be landing with more power. They traded leg kicks. Luque landing the jab. Price just missed a front kick. Price is now landing the jab. They each landed left hands. Luque with a leg kick followed by a left hook. They traded left hands. Luque with a flying knee. Price with a flurry late. Close round. 10-9 Luque.

Luque started the second round attacking the legs of Price with kicks. Luque landed a nice combination ending with a left hook that had Price stunned. Price is bleeding from under his left eye and is fighting backwards. Luque really controlling the center of the Octagon. Luque then dropped Price with a left hand and is looking for the finish. Luque has a D’arce choke locked in and he gets Price to tap out! Big submission win for Luque.

Official Result- Vicente Luque def. Niko Price by submission (D’arce choke) at 4:08 of Round 2

FOX SPORTS 1 MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT

> John Lineker (#5, 29-8, 10-3 UFC) vs. Marlon Vera (10-3-1, 4-2 UFC)
Bantamweights

Lineker has a huge size disadvantage but is an exciting fighter. Vera with a low kick. Vera with a high kick. Vera with another low kick. Lineker hasn’t done anything yet. They trade leg kicks. Lineker with a couple of leg kicks. Lineker lands a big left hook and then to the body and then back to the head. Lineker with a right hand. Lineker with a series of punches to the head and body and then lands a leg kick. Vera backing up towards the fence. Lineker with a late right hand. 10-9 Lineker.

Vera coming forward to start the second round. Vera with a leg kick. Lineker with a big leg kick and then a big combination. Lineker with a combo and they clinch against the fence. Lineker starting to tee off more but Vera lands a knee to the body. Vera with a leg kick. Lineker is just stalking Vera down. Vera with the jab but misses a flying knee. Vera with a body kick. Lineker with a combo to the body. Lineker with a leg kick that trips Vera to the mat. Lineker goes into the guard. Big elbows from the top by Lineker. 10-9 Lineker, 20-18 Lineker.

Lineker comes out firing away at the body of Vera. He throws every punch with the intention of it being the last one he throws. Vera went for a flying knee but missed and it threw Lineker off his gameplan for a moment. They clinched and Vera landed the knee on the break. Lineker with a right hand. Lineker with some more heavy right hands. Vera with a leg kick. Lineker with some big punches to the body. Vera with a knee to the body. Vera went for another flying knee to no success. Lineker lands a left hook followed by a right to the body. Lineker with a spin kick to the body. 10-9 Lineker, 30-27 Lineker.

Official Result- John Lineker def. Marlon Vera by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Thiago Santos (#15, 15-5, 7-4 UFC) vs. Jack Hermansson (16-3, 3-1 UFC)
Middleweights

Both men utilizing footwork to start the fight looking for openings. Santos slipped on a kick but got up and landed a liver kick. Santos rocked Hermansson with a big right hand and had him running backwards. Santos still has him in trouble. Santos is landing with more volume but Hermansson survived the onslaught. Hermansson with a body kick but eats a left hook from Santos. Santos with a jumping body kick and then drops him with a right hand and Santos finishes the fight at the bell! Big finish by Santos right at the end of the first round. It was a left uppercut that knocked Hermansson down.

Official Result- Thiago Santos def. Jack Hermansson by TKO (punches) at 4:59 of Round 1

> Francisco Trinaldo (21-5, 11-4 UFC) vs. Jim Miller (28-10 1 NC, 17-9 1 NC UFC)
Lightweights

Trinaldo landed a left hand early. Miller caught a kick from Trinaldo and landed a right hand and they went to the mat. Trinaldo got into the guard of Miller. Trinaldo got to his feet and Miller soon followed. Miller lands a left hand and then scores a takedown. Miller with an elbow from the top. Trinaldo trying to find an opening on the bottom but Miller is keeping him down. Miller with some punches to the body. The referee with a questionable standup at the end of the round. 10-9 Miller.

Miller landed a couple of left hands to start the second round. Miller lands a leg kick and then a right hook that stumbles Trinaldo. Trinaldo landed a hard left hand. Trinaldo with a left hand to the body. Trinaldo with a combo and then a body kick. They traded punches and Miller scored a takedown. Trinaldo jumped to half-guard and Miller had the neck but Trinaldo popped out. Trinaldo with some elbows from the top towards the end of the round. 10-9 Trinaldo, 19-19.

Trinaldo is on the attack to start the third. Miller went for a takedown but it was stuffed. Trinaldo started to attack the body and Miller is getting tired and on shaky legs. They clinch and Miller with an uppercut. They clinched against the fence and battled for underhooks but broke before anything big happened. Miller goes for a kick but Trinaldo grabs the leg and gets the takedown and is working in the guard and landing from the top. Trinaldo with some elbows as he rides out the fight on top. 10-9 Trinaldo, 29-28 Trinaldo.

Official Result- Francisco Trinaldo def. Jim Miller by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Pedro Munhoz (#12, 14-2 1 NC, 4-2 1 NC) vs. Rob Font (#13, 14-2, 4-1 UFC)
Bantamweights

Font came out the aggressor throwing right hands and high kicks. Munhoz with a heavy leg kick. Font firing with uppercuts. They trade leg kicks and Font fires back a right hand. Font with the jab and Munhoz counters with two left hooks. Munhoz with a left hook. Font is finding success with the jab. Munhoz with a combo but has a takedown attempt stuffed. Munhoz hurts Font with a right hand and then grabs the neck and locks in a guillotine choke and Font taps out! Super quick submission out of nowhere.

Official Result- Pedro Munhoz def. Rob Font by submission (guillotine choke) at 4:03 of Round 1

> Demian Maia (#3, 25-7, 19-7 UFC) vs. Colby Covington (#7, 12-1, 7-1 UFC)
Welterweights

Maia pressed forward and landed the first left hand. He landed another right over the ear. Covington is missing his punches as Maia continues to land the left hand. Maia landed more and had Covington on the run. Maia had a takedown stuffed. Covington landing now and he hits a leg kick. Maia is landing more left hands and Covington is cut open around his eye. They are trading and Covington lands a nice combo to the body. Maia’s leg is turning red from leg kicks. Both men landing left hands. Maia shoots for a takedown but it is stuffed. Close round. 10-9 Maia.

They traded left hands to start the second. Maia went for another takedown but it was again defended. Maia went for a single leg but Covington sprawled. Maia goes for another and it is defended again. Covington lands a couple of overhand lefts. Covington then lands an uppercut. They are scrambling around as Maia is looking to drag the fight to the mat but Covington is staying standing. Maia landed a couple of right hands. Both men landing strikes. Covington with some big punches at the end. 10-9 Covington, 19-19.

Maia looks tired heading into the third. Both landing punches in the first minute and Maia seems to have power left. Maia landed a right hand in close range. Covington landing more with combos. Maia has a takedown defended. Maia’s punches are coming so slow. Covington defends another takedown attempt. Maia lands a knee to the chin. Covington with a leg kick. Maia is bleeding everywhere and he can not get the fight to the mat. Fight ends with not a lot of action. Covington is flipping the crowd off. 10-9 Covington, 29-28 Covington.

Official Result- Colby Covington def. Demian Maia by unanimous decision (29-27, 30-27, 30-26)

> Derek Brunson (#7, 17-5, 8-3 UFC) vs. Lyoto Machida (22-7, 14-7 UFC)
Middleweights

Machida starts off with a leg kick. Brunson already looking to set up the left hand. Machida landed a straight left hand as Brunson tried to attack. Brunson with a leg kick. Machida lands a left hand as Brunson came forward. Brunson landed a left hand and Machida goes down and Brunson knocks him out cold with punches on the ground. Wow. Machida was out after the first punch on the mat and he took some extra un-needed punches as the referee was late stopping it.

Official Result- Derek Brunson def. Lyoto Machida by knockout (punches) at 2:30 of Round 1

UFC Fight Night 101 DFS Playbook: Who to target & who to avoid

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Here’s some advice for who to pick in your DraftKings lineup for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 101 event in Melbourne, Australia, headlined by Robert Whittaker taking on Derek Brunson in a five-round middleweight bout on FOX Sports 1.

Top Target: Jake Matthews ($9,300)

Jake Matthews fights back on home soil in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 101 on Saturday night as he looks to rebound from a loss in his last fight. Matthews fought for the first time on American soil in his last bout, and it didn’t quite go his way as he was finished with punches in the first round by Kevin Lee. Matthews returns to Australia, where he has gone 9-1 in ten fights. He takes on Andrew Holbrook, who is coming off of his first career loss at that same event Matthews lost at in July.

Holbrook won the first eleven fights of his career, with nine wins coming inside the first round. He didn’t face the toughest competition outside of the UFC, and he could easily be 0-2 inside the Octagon as his debut UFC bout was a close split decision win. He is coming off of being stopped in just 34 seconds. Matthews is still a big-time prospect at 22-years-old, and he already has a wealth of experience with twelve career fights, six with the UFC. He has physical tools that make this an excellent match-up for him.

Holbrook has good submissions, but his wrestling game hasn’t shown up in his two UFC fights, and his striking is well behind that of Matthews. Holbrook will need to show off his wrestling skill in this fight for him to be able to get the better of Matthews. Matthews had trouble getting up from the bottom when put there by Lee, but Lee is a superior wrestler. Matthews’ skillset should guide him to a relatively easy win, and this is bounce back matchmaking for him. It’s a matter of whether he gets a finish, and with him having the highest salary of all the fighters on the card, you better hope so.

I think he gets the finish as he has stopped better fighters in his career. He is way too talented to lose to Holbrook, and I see a first-round stoppage. I’m confident rolling with Matthews as my top play.

Value Target: Tyson Pedro ($7,500)

Tyson Pedro is making his UFC debut in his native Australia on Saturday night, and he gets a main card spot as he takes on Khalil Rountree in a light heavyweight bout. Pedro is in the UFC very early in his career as he is just 4-0, and three of those fights have taken place in 2016. All four of his wins have come by stoppage inside the first round, with all three this year coming by submission. He is a very good prospect, but he gets an opponent who is also a very good prospect, something that is needed at 205 pounds.

Rountree has just a little more experience than Pedro, but not much, as he is 4-1 in his career. He is coming off of his first career loss in his UFC debut, a decision loss to Andrew Sanchez in the finals of season 23 of The Ultimate Fighter. It was a very lackluster fight, and it was missing a lot of what made Rountree a top prospect as he headed into his stay in the TUF house. Rountree does have two official wins by knockout, and another while in the TUF house.

This could end up being quite the battle on the feet as both men are not shy about trading strikes. Pedro is a power house with excellent boxing and an excellent submission game if the stand-up starts getting out of his favor. Rountree fights as a southpaw and has been coached in the past by Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida. That should be interesting as Pedro has a karate background. Conditioning is going to be a big factor as Rountree showed his gas tank isn’t up to par in his fight with Sanchez, and Pedro is an unknown as he hasn’t gone past 3:05 in his career. Rountree is going to have the edge in a clinch battle while Pedro will have an edge on the mat.

Rountree is the slight favorite in this one in the betting odds, and he has a clear edge in fantasy salaries. I’m not so sure Pedro deserves to be the underdog, and his $7,500 salary presents great value as he is a good bet to score a first-round stoppage. That all makes him an excellent choice for your line-up.

Target To Avoid: Ning Guangyou ($8,200)

Ning Guangyou is a slight favorite over Marlon Vera in a battle of bottom-level bantamweights in what could be a loser gets cut bout on Saturday night. This is a fight that has been delayed a couple of times as they were originally scheduled to fight on two separate occasions in August before issues with Guangyou ultimately postponed this fight to this card. Both men are looking to rebound from tough losses in their last fight, and this is a close fight on paper.

On the feet, Guangyou is more of a flat-footed boxer with okay power from a southpaw stance, and he throws with more volume. Vera mixes his strikes up more and will dazzle with some flying knee attacks, but he lacks the true finishing power in his fists. When it comes to the grappling department, Guangyou is a better wrestler, but Vera is better on the mat with submission attacks. He is also better in the scrambles. He has four wins by submission, and Guangyou has been submitted once in his short career.

Vera is the more aggressive fighter of the two. Both men are used to going 15 minutes, so conditioning shouldn’t come into play too much. If it goes for the third round, Vera will likely be the fresher fighter. Neither fighter is all that impressive, and this fight is just to see which one can be kept around on the roster.

I think Vera gets the win, but it goes the distance. I would advise against having either man in your line-up, especially Guangyou as I don’t see him getting the win.

Underdog Target: Robert Whittaker ($7,400)

Robert Whittaker goes into his first UFC main event on Saturday as a slight underdog by the oddsmakers, and an even bigger underdog in fantasy salaries. He takes on Derek Brunson in the headline spot, a fight that was moved up from the co-main event slot, meaning two more rounds have been added since they originally agreed to the fight. Both men are on impressive win streaks as each has won five straight. Brunson has finished his last four opponents while Whittaker has gone the distance in his last two, but has never found himself in danger.

This is going to be an interesting fight, and I’m glad it gets the main event treatment because it’s a high-level fight. It is also one that is tough to predict the outcome. Brunson may be the more talented fighter at this stage, but he can be beaten. Whittaker is quite underrated at times but is not a fighter to overlook. On the feet, Whittaker is a better striker though Brunson may be more powerful. Brunson tends to use his length to fight at a distance, and that can hinder him at times as it makes his takedown attempts look very choreographed. Whittaker excels in counterpunching, and he is a very patient fighter while Brunson tends to lean on the aggressive side.

When it comes to wrestling, Brunson is vastly superior there, but Whittaker has solid takedown defense. Brunson excels in ground-and-pound, and Whittaker is going to have to prove he can get out from the bottom. He hasn’t had to do that much yet at 185 pounds. Brunson tends to lunge when he strikes, and that is going to leave his chin open for a counter. Whittaker has heavy power. Brunson needs to get this fight in the clinch or on the ground as Whittaker will get stronger and find his openings. It’s a tough fight to predict as either man can win this fight in spectacular fashion.

With Whittaker being such good value at his salary, he is a definite underdog target. Going 25 minutes can give you more scoring opportunities, though I think should he win, it is by finish in the later rounds.

Our Line-ups

Ryan Frederick: Jake Matthews ($9,300), Omari Akhmedov ($8,600), Ben Nguyen ($8,500), Jenel Lausa ($8,300), Tyson Pedro ($7,500), Robert Whittaker ($7,400)

In my line-up for this card, I have three fighters I mentioned above with Jake Matthews, Tyson Pedro and Robert Whittaker. Matthews is in a bounce back fight, and while it is a tough match-up, I see him dispatching Andrew Holbrook. Pedro is a solid prospect. Whittaker is in a fun main event that could go either way, but his salary is favorable. To round out my team, first I’m going with Omari Akhmedov. Akhmedov has just a 3-3 record in the UFC, but he is powerful. His opponent, Kyle Noke, has had his chin tested a lot. I like Akhmedov to score a finish.

Ben Nguyen is also on my team. He is a very solid flyweight fighter, and he makes his home in Australia these days. He needs a big bounce back, and while Geane Herrera is a tough opponent, Nguyen’s slick submission game will give him fits. Jenel Lausa finishes out my team. He’s making his UFC debut, but he has more experience than his opponent, Yao Zhikui. He is better on the feet and has a better ground game, and I like him to get the win.

Paul Fontaine: Derek Brunson ($8,800), Khalil Rountree ($8,700), Ben Nguyen ($8,500), Jenel Lausa ($8,300), Richard Walsh ($8,100), Kyle Noke ($7,600)

Derek Brunson is a punisher and I think he’ll be looking to make a point in his first UFC main event. When he wins, he destroys and he’ll do that Saturday night. Khalil Rountree should rebound from a disappointing UFC debut and dispatch of the debuting Tyson Pedro. Ben Nguyen is an awesome fighter and I’m looking for his bout to steal the show. He’s one of the only guys in his division capable of first round stoppages every time out.

The debuting Jenel Lausa is on a 4-fight win streak and his opponent has even less experience than he does so I’m thinking he keeps that streak going on this show. The “other Filthy” Richard Walsh will be trying to impress fans in his home country I like him to score a slight upset over Canadian Jonathan Meunier. My last pick is the plucky Kyle Noke. He’s always capable of a finish and his opponent Omari Akhmedov comes in on a two-fight losing streak. Look for the hometown hero to make good.

Peach Machine: Jake Matthews ($9,300), Alex Volkanovski ($9,200), Jon Tuck ($9,000), Robert Whittaker ($7,400), Jason Knight ($7,300), Dan Kelly ($7,100)

Whittaker is one of my favorite fighters. I really like him at 185. Brunson is really good, but this is a winnable fight for Whittaker, which he needs to keep moving up in the grid locked division. Jake Matthews is Australia’s golden boy. Both Matthews and Holbrook are coming off losses. This should be a fun one, and I like Matthews to get the KO. Jon Tuck is from Guam. I love that island. He’s gone win-lose for his last 7, and he lost last time, so he’s definitely winning.

Jason Knight is a guy who I wouldn’t normally pick, but I remember seeing him fight last time and thinking, “take him next time he fights.” Or maybe it was “don’t take him…” whatever. Dan Kelly is another Aussie fan fav. Dan is gonna be raring to go, and Camozzi is primed to lose. Volkanovski was the most expensive fighter left I could afford, so I took him.

UFC Fight Night 94 Hidalgo live results: Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Johnson

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to our live coverage of UFC Fight Night 94: Poirier vs. Johnson, emanating from the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas. 

The show is headlined by a five-round lightweight bout as Dustin Poirier puts his four-fight win streak on the line against Michael Johnson. In the co-main event, Uriah Hall takes on Derek Brunson in a battle of top-ten ranked middleweights.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 PM EST.

Some additional coverage:

– UFC Fight Night 94 DFS Playbook

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UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT)

> Alejandro Perez (17-6, 3-1 UFC) vs. Albert Morales (6-0, 0-0 UFC)
Bantamweights

R1- They spent the round on the feet with both men trading punches and kicks. Morales was landing harder and kept Perez on the retreat. Morales controlled the center of the Octagon and was the better defensive fighter. Perez did open a cut on the cheek of Morales with a left hand. Morales landed more of his strikes and this was his round. They both landed punches after the bell and got warnings from the referee. Solid round, but not spectacular. 10-9 Morales.

R2- This fight remained on the feet and Perez started landing more than he did in the first round. Both men landed big punches and Morales’ right eye was starting to swell up. Morales was working well by landing the leg kicks and hindered the movement of Perez. Morales was the one backing up Perez. It was a better round for Perez and again both men landed punches after the bell. Closer round. 10-9 Morales, 20-18 Morales.

R3- Perez got deducted a point before the round for landing a punch after the bell in round two. I don’t agree with that. They both came out swinging and Perez got a takedown and was looking for the finish. Morales was in a lot of trouble. Perez then went down and Morales landing a blatant illegal knee that went uncalled. Perez survived and both got up and Morales was very tired. Morales was very bloodied up. Both men got tired but survived to the end. Solid fight. 9-9, 29-27 Morales.

Official Result- Alejandro Perez vs. Albert Morales declared a majority draw (27-29 Morales, 28-28, 28-28)

Instant Analysis- I have to start off by saying this. Kerry Hatley is one of the worst referees in the sport. Not only was his point deduction of Alejandro Perez a bad call, since both men should’ve been deducted since they both landed punches after the bell, he missed a blatant illegal knee from Albert Morales that anyone could see. The call cost Perez the fight, but I thought Morales won the fight so we were looking at a potential bad decision. The fight was solid but both men have a long way to go if they are ever going to contend. 135 pounds is a tough division, and I don’t like future contention status for either fighter.

> Erick Montano (7-3, 1-0 UFC) vs. Randy Brown (7-1, 1-1 UFC)
Welterweights

R1- Brown worked early in the clinch looking to use his size advantage. Montano was able to hit Brown but Brown went right back into the clinch and almost scored a big takedown but then landed a nice flying knee. It was mostly clinching in the round and neither man was able to land solidly when they were separated. Montano did land some leg kicks towards the end before Brown pushed him against the fence. 10-9 Brown.

R2- Brown went back to work in the clinch and finally got the takedown he was looking for but Montano got to his feet and got his own takedown. Montano landed a big right hand from inside the guard. Brown got to his feet and grabbed the fence to avoid a takedown but Montano ended up scoring it anyways. Brown wasn’t doing much to get out of danger on the bottom as Montano had him planted down good. A great round for Montano. 10-9 Montano, 19-19.

R3- Morales went right for a takedown but Brown got him in a front choke and Montano tapped out! Finish out of nowhere for Brown.

Official Result- Randy Brown def. Erick Montano by submission (guillotine choke) at :18 of Round 3

Instant Analysis- Randy Brown got a solid victory after pulling the submission out of nowhere, but the fight showed some holes he still needs to improve on. He called out Bryan Barberena after the fight but that is a tough call out. Brown has to improve on his defense on the mat as his striking is solid for his experience level. Erick Montano was doing great until he found himself caught in the submission. It was a solid showing for him but he tapped quickly once he was in trouble. He will be looking to work his way back as the abilities are there, and finishes will come along.

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FS1 PRELIMS (8 PM ET/5 PM PT)

> Jose Quinonez (4-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Joey Gomez (6-1, 0-1 UFC)
Bantamweights

R1- Quinonez got a couple of early takedowns but Gomez was able to get up both times. They were both landing solid punches and kicks. Quinonez got another takedown and was in control on the mat. Quinonez landed some body kicks that knocked Gomez down and he looked for the finish but Gomez landed an upkick and they got to their feet. Quinonez went back and landed more body kicks and this was his round. 10-9 Quinonez.

R2- Gomez was doing better on his feet but Quinonez scored a takedown and worked from the top. Gomez was able to get up. Gomez started getting the better of the striking and dropped Quinonez with a left hand but Quinonez recovered to his feet. Gomez continued to find openings but Quinonez was pressuring him and looking to score the takedown. Close round but Gomez won the battle on the feet. 10-9 Gomez, 19-19.

R3- The pace slowed at the start until Quinonez dropped Gomez with a knee but left enough time for Gomez to recover, but then Quinonez was able to get into full mount on the mat. Quinonez was controlling on the mat and looking for submissions and almost had Gomez in a choke but Gomez escaped to his feet. They traded on the feet and both men had solid finishes to the fight. 10-9 Quinonez, 29-28 Quinonez.

Official Result- Jose Quinonez def. Joey Gomez by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Instant Analysis- This was a very good fight between both men. Both are lower-level bantamweights, but they are solid fighters for their position. Jose Quinonez showed good takedowns and good top control, and his striking was very good. Joey Gomez also had good striking, and while his defense on the mat needs work, he was able to escape from being mounted to his feet, so that was good for him. As back-and-forth as it was early, Jose Quinonez definitely won this fight.

> Antonio Carlos Junior (5-2 1 NC, 2-2 1 NC UFC) vs. Leonardo Augusto Leleco (11-2 1 NC, 0-1 UFC)
Middleweights

R1- Nothing much happened early in this fight until Leleco landed a right hand. Carlos Junior then went for a takedown but couldn’t score on it. Leleco showed good takedown defense and Carlos Junior went for more and landed an illegal knee so there was a break. Carlos Junior was deducted a point for that knee. Carlos Junior went quickly back to work and scored a takedown as he needed to get this as an even round. Carlos Junior with a late takedown. 9-9.

R2- Carlos Junior came out looking to grapple and scored a takedown and was dominant from the top as Leleco had no answer to getting up from the bottom. Carlos Junior just kept landing punch after punch and Leleco was doing nothing to get up. He finally got to his feet against the fence but was taken back down. Leleco went for a guillotine but didn’t have enough time. Complete dominant round for Carlos Junior. 10-8 Carlos Junior, 19-17 Carlos Junior.

R3- Leleco was needing a finish but looked exhausted as Carlos Junior went to work in the clinch. Carlos Junior got the takedown but Leleco got back to his feet. Leleco kept grabbing the fence in looking to defend the takedown but Carlos Junior got a big takedown. Leleco has done absolutely nothing in this fight and is very tired. Carlos Junior working for the rear-naked choke. He got it locked in and Leleco tapped out with just 15 seconds left.

Official Result- Antonio Carlos Junior def. Leonardo Augusto Leleco by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:46 of Round 3

Instant Analysis- Antonio Carlos Junior completely dominated this fight to get back on the winning track. The point deduction was very bad and it showed the inconsistencies in referees as the same situation didn’t see a deduction in an earlier fight. Thankfully, the hand being down rule is going away on January 1. Leonardo Leleco had an awful performance and was just overmatched in this fight. With an 0-2 record and being finished twice, and putting on bad performances, he’s likely going to be cut from the roster. Carlos Junior is a former TUF winner and he’s had his ups-and-downs, but I like his potential at just 26-years-old.

> Augusto Montano (15-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Belal Muhammad (9-1, 0-1 UFC)
Welterweights

R1- Montano fighting for the first time in 15 months. He landed an early groin strike, probably to get it out of his system. Muhammad hurt him with a right hand. Both men were trading punches and kicks. Montano poked Muhammad in the eye and got another warning. Muhammad landed a head kick as Montano kept his hands low. Montano with some inside leg kicks. Montano was getting his timing down on his leg kicks and defended a takedown. Muhammad landed another head kick. 10-9 Muhammad.

R2- They came out trading with both men landing but Montano was getting the better of it. Muhammad got a takedown. Muhammad easily passes guard and takes the back. Muhammad got to the top but Montano scrambled to his feet. Muhammad misses a head kick. Montano lands a combo. Muhammad with a short elbow. Close round. 10-9 Muhammad, 20-18 Muhammad.

R3- They were trading. Muhammad scored the takedown and took the back looking for the choke. Montano survived the attempt and they got to their feet and traded. Muhammad got a big takedown with some big ground-and-pound looking for the finish. Muhammad with a lot of punches and Herb Dean finally called it off. Big win for Muhammad.

Official Result- Belal Muhammad def. Augusto Montano by TKO (punches) at 4:19 of Round 3

Instant Analysis- Belal Muhammad had a solid showing in a losing effort to Alan Jouban in his UFC debut, but he backed that up with an impressive win here in becoming the first fighter to stop Augusto Montano. He showed excellent timing on his takedowns, and got them at the right moments, and Montano had nothing for him on the mat. His ability to turn on the pressure late made the difference in the fight. He is a solid addition to the 170-pound roster. Montano falls to 1-2 inside the Octagon, and that was coming off of a year-long suspension. He’s had two straight bad showings after an impressive debut, and I do think he’s going to get cut from the roster. I believe that would be justified because he doesn’t seem well-prepared for UFC competition.

> Gabriel Benitez (18-5, 2-1 UFC) vs. Sam Sicilia (15-6, 5-5 UFC)
Featherweights

R1- Benitez went right after Sicilia with leg kicks. They started trading as both men were looking for that knockout blow. Benitez showing off strong leg kicks. Sicilia landed a strong body kick but Benitez fired back with some strong leg kicks. Those kicks are massive and Sicilia isn’t checking them. Sicilia just looking for the big right hand. Benitez with a strong right due to those leg kicks and it’ll be interesting to see how Sicilia responds now. 10-9 Benitez.

R2- Benitez landed a straight left hand and dropped Sicilia. Big elbows from Benitez but Sicilia survives and gets to his feet. Benitez with more leg kicks. Benitez locked in a guillotine as Sicilia went for a takedown and Sicilia is out cold! Benitez with the big submission win!

Official Result- Gabriel Benitez def. Sam Sicilia by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:20 of Round 2

Instant Analysis- This was the best fight of the night so far with a lot of good action. Gabriel Benitez was excellent on his feet in constantly landing those leg kicks which took away some of Sam Sicilia’s offensive attack. He dropped Sicilia with a left hand and was able to counter a takedown attempt nicely with the guillotine choke. It is the best he has looked in the UFC as he has now won three of four. It will be interesting to see his further progression, but he looked really impressive here. Sicilia is now 5-6 in the UFC but he always comes to fight. He showed serious improvements early but his inability to check leg kicks hindered him. He tried to go to his wrestling but left his neck open and Benitez capitalized. I would like to see him remain in the UFC as he is a fun featherweight fighter.

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MAIN CARD (FOX SPORTS 1 | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)

> Chas Skelly (15-2, 4-2 UFC) vs. Maximo Blanco (12-7-1 1 NC, 4-4 UFC)
Featherweights

R1- They both went right away and landed flying front kicks and Skelly locked in an anaconda choke and Blanco went to sleep. Less than 30 seconds. Big finish.

Official Result- Chas Skelly def. Maximo Blanco by submission (D’arce choke) at :19 of Round 1

Instant Analysis- This was so quick that any analysis would be hard to say. Chas Skelly went right out and pulled a trick out of Maximo Blanco’s playbook with a flying front kick to start the fight and capitalized on Blanco being in bad position. Interesting win for Skelly as he moves to 5-2 and he should get a solid opponent in his next bout. Blanco always plays with fire and he lost here. He falls to 4-5 in the UFC but he always brings good action to the Octagon. Go out of your way to watch a replay of this.

> Chris Wade (11-2, 4-1 UFC) vs. Islam Makhachev (12-1, 1-1 UFC)
Lightweights

R1- They traded early and Makhachev went right for the takedown. Wade had his neck but he got out. Wade reversed to top position. Makhachev went for a triangle choke but Wade defended well and Makhachev got warned for his toes being locked onto the cage. Wade got into more dominant position and landed from the top but the crowd started booing. Slow close round. 10-9 Makhachev.

R2- Makhachev landed a left hand and Wade grabbed the neck for a guillotine choke and ended up on top in dominant position. Makhachev rolled out and took the back but Wade reversed into the neck but Makhachev swept into side control. Good ground action here. Makhachev has dominant side control. He takes the back looking to get the hooks in. They scramble and Makhachev remains with back control. Lots of scrambling. Wade looking for a late heel hook. 10-9 Makhachev, 20-18 Makhachev.

R3- Lots of grappling in this round as both men scramble and spent time on top. Wade went for a guillotine but didn’t have it and it allowed Makhachev to end up on top against the fence. Makhachev in the half-guard and landing from the top as he gets to mount and then takes the back. Makhachev lands punches from the back. Makhachev just dominating this round on the mat but he doesn’t have Wade in any real danger. Some excellent grappling in this fight though it slowed in the third. 10-9 Makhachev, 30-27 Makhachev.

Official Result- Islam Makhachev def. Chris Wade by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Instant Analysis- This fight had some high-level grappling though it slowed in the third round. Islam Makhachev bounced back nicely and showed he is one of the better grapplers in the division, but his striking still needs some work, though there was improvement. He has some good skills and trains with a top camp, so the future is bright for him. For Chris Wade, this is now two straight losses after four straight wins to start his UFC career. For the second straight fight, he was just out-grappled, which leaves a lot of questions to be answered for a strong wrestler like him. His striking is solid, but not great, and he definitely needs a win when he gets another fight inside the Octagon.

> Roan Carneiro (20-10, 3-4 UFC) vs. Kenny Robertson (15-4, 4-4 UFC)
Welterweights

R1- Carneiro quickly took the fight to the mat. Robertson scrambled to his feet. Carneiro with the tie-up but Robertson slipped out and landed a right hand. Robertson telegraphing himself and Carneiro with a big body kick. Both men missing on wild punching attempts. Carneiro with a big leg kick. You can see both mens’ punches coming a mile away. Not the most exciting round. Close round. 10-9 Carneiro.

R2- Carneiro scores a takedown after Robertson misses some loopy punches. Robertson swept and landed a hammerfist. Robertson landing short elbows from the top. Carneiro goes for a submission but Robertson gets out. Carneiro not doing much from the bottom. Carneiro had a shoulder lock and swept into full mount. Carneiro not doing much from the mount. Crowd boos. Close round. 10-9 Robertson, 19-19.

R3- Neither man doing much early but Carneiro landing the jab. Carneiro lands a big uppercut that stuns Robertson. Robertson caught his bearings. Very slow pace here. Robertson lands a right hand. They trade jabs. Robertson with a left hand. Robertson with a combo as the crowd boos. Both men very tired. Carneiro with an uppercut. Carneiro clinches. Close fight all around. 10-9 Carneiro, 29-28 Carneiro.

Official Result- Roan Carneiro def. Kenny Robertson by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)

Instant Analysis- This was a very boring fight. The weight cut looked to slow down Roan Carneiro late, and Kenny Robertson wasn’t much better. Neither man could get the edge anywhere in the fight and it was three close rounds. Unfortunately, they were also three bad rounds. Carneiro is getting up there in age and I don’t sense he has much left. Robertson didn’t fare much better. Neither man deserves to be anywhere near the main card. Onto the next one.

HOT RUMOR ALERT- Eddie Alvarez vs. Conor McGregor is a done deal for UFC 205.

> Evan Dunham (#15, 17-6, 10-6 UFC) vs. Rick Glenn (18-3-1, 0-0 UFC)
Lightweights

R1- Dunham with a combo and then scores a takedown. Dunham postured up and Glenn tried to land some upkicks but Dunham went back into the guard. Dunham takes the back and has the rear-naked choke locked in. Glenn fights to survives and somehow gets out. That was an incredible escape. Dunham ends up on top to end the round. Big round for Dunham. 10-8 Dunham.

R2- Glenn lands a left hand but gets taken down by Dunham. Dunham is by far the superior ground fighter. They get to their feet. Dunham has the body locked and lands a knee. Dunham looking fantastic here. Dunham lighting Glenn up with some combos. Glenn firing back. Dunham slowing just a little. They trade strikes. Time out called due to a groin strike. Back to action but round ends with nothing happening. 10-9 Dunham, 20-17 Dunham.

R3- Glenn coming out strong as he needs to finish Dunham here. Dunham with the clear advantage in strikes landed. They trade left hands. Glenn is landing and hurts Dunham. Glenn has more energy at this stage. Dunham lands a combo. Dunham lands another combination. Dunham lands a big head kick followed by a hard right hand. Both men tired. Back-and-forth on the feet and both men are landing. Dunham with a big head kick. Dunham hurts Glenn with a punch. Dunham tries a late armbar. Fun fight. 10-9 Dunham, 30-26 Dunham.

Official Result- Evan Dunham def. Rick Glenn by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Instant Analysis- This was a fun fight, especially the latter stages of the final round as both men started swinging while clearly tired. Evan Dunham looked fantastic early, and even when his conditioning started going, he was still effective on his feet and had Rick Glenn hurt late. It was a solid showing on short notice for Glenn, who has earned himself a couple of fights in the UFC with this effort. Dunham is back into contention with four straight wins, and time for a top match-up for him. This is a very solid win for Dunham. Glenn may settle back to the featherweight division, and I look forward to more fights inside the Octagon for him.

> Uriah Hall (#9, 12-6, 5-4 UFC) vs. Derek Brunson (#10, 15-3, 6-1 UFC)
Middleweights

R1- Hall came right out after Brunson and they clinched. Brunson with a big knee against the fence. Brunson drops Hall with a big left hand and then lands punches on the ground and Herb Dean stops it! Hall protests but Brunson gets the big win.

Official Result- Derek Brunson def. Uriah Hall by TKO (punches) at  1:41of Round 1

Instant Analysis- Derek Brunson now has four straight first-round wins with this stoppage, and he has put himself in line for a chance at getting a title shot. This is a big win for him and one that he needed to get if he were ever going to contend. A 7-1 record in the UFC middleweight division is very, very good. Uriah Hall came out strong but got caught. He probably could’ve continued and the replay shows it was probably early. He is now 5-5 in the UFC but still a quality fighter and with this controversial stoppage, he shouldn’t lose much ground.

> Dustin Poirier (#7, 20-4, 12-3 UFC) vs. Michael Johnson (#10, 16-10, 8-6 UFC)
Lightweights

R1- They trade punches and kicks early. Johnson lands a solid combo and Poirier is cut a little under his eye. Johnson with a big left hand that knocks Poirier down and he finishes him off with several more punches on the ground! Big knockout for Johnson.

Official Result- Michael Johnson def. Dustin Poirier by knockout (punches) at 1:35 of Round 1

Instant Analysis- This is a huge win for Michael Johson, who had lost his last two fights. Another loss would’ve knocked him out of the title picture completely, but this is a statement win, and his biggest win to date in the UFC. He has earned himself a big fight in his next bout and adds to the stacked lightweight title picture. Dustin Poirier was on the cusp of title contention but now suffers his first loss since dropping down to 155 pounds. He is still one of the best fighters at lightweight, but he has lost every opportunity he has had to break into that true elite category. He takes a step backwards, but with his talent, he should be able to put together some wins and get himself back into contention.

Final Thoughts- This was a show of highs-and-lows. Michael Johnson and Derek Brunson had excellent victories in the two big fights to put their names into crowded title pictures. Evan Dunham had an excellent showing despite slowing down late. Chas Skelly had one of the more memorable finishes in recent UFC memory, and that quick win is worth going out of your way to see. Gabriel Benitez had a very impressive showing in finishing Sam Sicilia. That was the good. There was some bad, and some bad fights, but more good than bad. Not the best of shows, but not the worst of shows either, and the two last fights having good performances gave the event a boost.

UFC Fight Night 83 DFS Playbook: value picks, who to avoid

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon returns this weekend with an event on Sunday night, as UFC Fight Night 83 culminates from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The card is headlined by a welterweight bout as Donald Cerrone takes on Alex Oliveira. Below are our studs, value plays and fighters to avoid when setting your fantasy line-ups for this weekend’s event.

STUDS

Derek Brunson ($11,100)

Derek Brunson has the highest salary of the 26 fighters on the card and for good reason. He is a rising contender in the middleweight division, has won three straight fights and five of six in the UFC, with his lone loss coming to Yoel Romero. He has won his last two fights by first-round knockout, and he just keeps getting better each time he steps inside the Octagon. When he steps inside that Octagon on Sunday night in the co-main event, it will be opposite of Roan Carneiro, who hasn’t fought in nearly a year. Carneiro has won six straight fights and is in the midst of a career resurgence, but he sported a 12-8 record at one point before his recent 9-1 run. Brunson is a tough opponent for someone returning from a year-long layoff, and Carneiro has been finished in six of his nine losses. Brunson is the top play of the weekend.

Donald Cerrone ($10,600)

Donald Cerrone headlines this event against the other fighter known as “Cowboy” in Alex Oliveira, and he is making his debut at 170 pounds to top it off. Gone are the big weight cuts that Cerrone makes, though he never has really shown any ill-effects from them. Oliveira is a replacement for the pulled Tim Means, taking the fight on short notice. Oliveira has taken most of his UFC bouts on short notice, and he has looked good during his UFC tenure. Cerrone is the best fighter he has ever fought, though, and Cerrone eats opponents like Oliveira up. He seems to falter against the best, and Oliveira is yet to be anywhere near that class. Cerrone is a violent finisher, and he has an excellent chance of finishing a short-notice opponent. Cerrone will be an excellent play this weekend.

VALUE PLAYS

Leonardo Augusto ($9,200)

Leonardo Augusto Guimaraes is making his UFC debut on Sunday, having scored 11 wins in 13 professional fights. He has nine wins by stoppage, and he gets a short-notice replacement in Anthony Smith, who took the fight just this week after Trevor Smith pulled out due to a hand injury. Smith has won seven straight fights outside of the UFC, but last fought less than a month ago and is taking the fight the week of the event. He likely kept himself in shape but fighting on just a few days’ notice can be a tough challenge. That makes Augusto a solid play at his salary if you are looking to spend up for your roster.

Tatsuya Kawajiri ($8,600)

Tatsuya Kawajiri is an interesting play at his salary. Only three fighters have a lower salary than him, and it’s interesting that he’s a big underdog to Dennis Bermudez, who has lost two straight fights by finish. Bermudez was on the cusp of a title shot but now has his back against the wall, while Kawajiri is rising as he gets more adjusted to fighting inside the Octagon. He is 3-1 in the UFC, and he is primed for an upset win. He might not be able to finish Bermudez, but is a good candidate to score a decision win. Having him on your roster also allows for more spending on higher-end fighters. Kawajiri is an excellent value play at his salary.

FIGHTERS TO AVOID

Daniel Sarafian ($10,400)

Daniel Sarafian has been a big disappointment during his UFC tenure. He is just 2-3 inside the Octagon, and both wins have come to opponents who are no longer on the UFC roster. He hasn’t fought since a win in December 2014, which came due to a finger injury to his opponent. He has bounced between weight classes and gyms, and it will be interesting to see how all of this, and being out of action for 14 months, affects him. He has a tough match-up against Oluwale Bamgbose, who is a knockout artist getting a full training camp. I recommend avoiding Sarafian on this card as his salary doesn’t justify his performances, and Bamgbose is a solid bet to score an upset victory.

Joe Riggs ($8,900)

Joe Riggs has been around a long time and has a lot of mileage under him. Sunday will mark his 59th career fight. He is coming off a win in his last bout, which was his first UFC win since August 2006. However, the win came due to disqualification from an illegal upkick by Ron Stallings in a fight Riggs was losing. He hasn’t looked too good during this UFC run, one that could come to an end on Sunday night. He takes on Chris Camozzi, who is in his own third stint with the UFC. Camozzi is coming off a solid win and should be in line to get another win over Riggs. I don’t see Riggs being able to top Camozzi, so I would be avoiding him on Sunday.

OUR LINE-UPS

RYAN FREDERICK- Derek Brunson ($11,100), Donald Cerrone ($10,600), Marion Reneau ($10,300), Oluwale Bamgbose ($9,000), Tatsuya Kawajiri ($8,600)

I have Derek Brunson and Donald Cerrone as my top two plays, thus I will be having them on my roster. Brunson has been super impressive in recent bouts, with two straight first-round knockout wins. He has a favorable fight against Roan Carneiro and I expect another quick finish. Donald Cerrone has a short-notice opponent in Alex Oliveira and he finishes fights where he’s the big favorite. I like him finishing Oliveira. Marion Reneau is looking to rebound from a loss to Holly Holm, and she has a good match-up with Ashlee Evans-Smith, who was choked unconscious in her last fight. I see that happening again. Oluwale Bamgbose is an underdog with a solid chance at winning by finish with his knockout power, and Daniel Sarafian has been disappointing. My last fighter on my roster is Tatsuya Kawajiri. He has good value and is a good pick for an upset win over Dennis Bermudez. I like his chances.

PAUL FONTAINE- Derek Brunson ($11,100), Jonavin Webb ($10,700), James Krause ($10,100), Leonardo Augusto ($9,200), Alex Oliveira ($8,800)

Both Cowboys are moving up a weight class for their main event 5 round fight and I think the difference could be that Alex Oliveira has fought most of his career at 170 and should be much more comfortable with the extra weight. He’s looked great since losing his UFC debut and even looked good in that fight before succumbing to a late submission. Cerrone also had a brutal KO loss in his last fight and that can be hard to come back from. Derek Brunson is a powerhouse at 185 and I look for him to finish Carneiro quickly and get me those first round stoppage bonus points. James Krause has the experience edge over his opponent Campbell and he looked awesome in his first round finish of Daron Cruickshank last time out. He hasn’t had a win that went to the judges in UFC and Sunday will be no different, in my opinion. Augusto is a bit of an unknown but his opponent is taking the fight on less than a week’s notice and just fought 3 weeks ago against a tough veteran in Josh Neer. I like him to continue his impressive non-UFC run with an early finish. Last for me is Jonavin Webb, who was robbed of a win in his UFC debut against Kyle Noke. That’s the only loss of his career and I look for him to rebound in a big way against journeyman Nathan Coy.

PEACH MACHINE- Donald Cerrone ($10,600), James Krause ($10,100), Sean Strickland ($9,900), Oluwale Bamgbose ($9,000), Augusto Mendes ($8,400)

I LOVE Mendes, aka Tanquinho, in this fight. He will submit Garbrandt… Bamgbose is scary and is going to be a player someday and I expect him to easily handle Sarafian… Cerrone needs to rebound and look good here. He will… Krause is a savage. He’s 29 and has already had 29 fights (22-7)… I like Strickland. He’s lanky and tough and 13-1, and 4-1 in UFC. I don’t think Garcia will be able to stop him… My picks have been pretty solid so far this year, and I like my picks this card. If I didn’t live in America’s urethra, aka Tennessee, I’d probably play this line-up, but you know, I can’t because jesus hates gambling, I guess. Not the lottery though, he’s cool with that.